WhiskyCastSun, 01 Mar 2015 04:05:41 +0000Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:41:57 +0000Libsyn WebEngine 2.0http://www.whiskycast.com
enhttp://www.whiskycast.commark@whiskycast.com (mark@whiskycast.com)http://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/4/e/5/9/4e59cdf78c676f51/WCITunesLogo1400.pngWhiskyCastMark Gillespiebourbon,canadian,distilling,drinks,irish,kentucky,scotch,scotland,spirits,whiskey,whiskynomark@whiskycast.comWhiskyCast Episode 523: February 28, 2015Sun, 01 Mar 2015 04:05:41 +0000Lots to talk about this week, with news from all over the world! Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan joins us on WhiskyCast In-Depth to talk about the world's peatiest whisky ever -- his Octomore 6.3 with a phenol level of 258ppm! We'll also hear about new whiskies from Tomatin, Duncan Taylor, Midleton, and Whistlepig...the latest on Teeling Whiskey's new Dublin distillery that could be ready to make whiskey by St. Patrick's Day, and look at the Bourbon boom with Beam Suntory's chief of marketing and sales for Whiskies and Cognacs, Chris Bauder. ]]>55:20noWhiskyCast Episode 522: February 21, 2015Sun, 22 Feb 2015 05:02:13 +0000For the second straight year, a Texas whiskey has won Best in Show honors at the American Craft Spirits Association competition. San Antonio's Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling .36 Single Barrel Straight Bourbon beat a field of whiskies and other spirits from around the US. Ranger Creek co-founder Mark McDavid joins us this week on WhiskyCast In-Depth to share the story behind that whiskey and the distillery. In the news, a California law firm is challenging Beam Suntory on two fronts now over claims that Jim Beam and Maker's Mark are "hand-made", a distilling prodigy is leaving Brown-Forman for the craft distilling world, and doctors don't want us to confuse the "Bourbon Virus" with the "Whisky Bug".]]>35:08noWhiskyCast Episode 521: February 14, 2015Sun, 15 Feb 2015 05:08:23 +0000It's Valentine's Day, and who better to explain his passion for making whisky than Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling. His Woodward Ltd. Bourbon is named after Detroit's legendary Woodward Avenue, which runs just a couple of blocks away from his distillery in the suburb of Ferndale, Michigan. Valentine is preparing to move from his original site to a brand-new facility in Ferndale, and is part of a craft distilling boom in the Detroit area. We'll talk with Rifino Valentine and his head distiller, Justin Aden, on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. There are plenty of new whiskies to talk about this week, and we'll also have more tasting notes from the #28DramsIn28Days project.]]>44:07noWhiskyCast Episode 520: February 7, 2015Sun, 08 Feb 2015 05:00:15 +0000Ian MacMillan has been overseeing the whiskies from Deanston, Tobermory, and Bunnahabhain for years...but Cognac casks were one thing he hadn't experimented much with until the opportunity presented itself several years ago. The result is the new Deanston 18 Cognac Matured single malt that's being released in the US this month. We'll discuss Cognac casks with Ian on WhiskyCast In-Depth, along with his other single malts and his new take on the Black Bottle blend In the news, there's word that The Glenlivet may be replacing its flagship 12-year-old expression with the no-age-statement Founder's Reserve in some markets, old stills from Islay will be getting a new life in Ireland, and whisky sales keep growing in the US. We'll also kick off the #28DramsIn28Days series of tasting notes, too.]]>54:38noWhiskyCast Episode 519: January 31, 2015Sun, 01 Feb 2015 05:52:24 +0000Graeme Macaloney gave up a secure career in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue his dream of making whisky, and the Scottish expat is getting closer to realizing his dream. He's hoping to begin construction on the Victoria Caledonian Distillery in Victoria, British Columbia soon, and has already brought Dr. Jim Swan and former Diageo distillery manager Mike Nicolson as consultants. Graeme explains why he and his family mortgaged their future (and their house) on his dream on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Wild Turkey's Eddie Russell joins us to discuss his promotion to Master Distiller alongside his father, the legendary Jimmy Russell. We'll also look at whisky economics in Scotland, where a new report estimates the industry's economic impact at £5 billion annually. There's word on new whiskies from anCnoc and GlenDronach, and this week's tasting notes include whiskies from Kentucky, Texas, Scotland, and France!]]>54:45noWhiskyCast Episode 518: January 24, 2015Sun, 25 Jan 2015 05:15:27 +0000Kentucky's Four Roses Distillery announced this week that supply problems will prevent this spring's release of the annual Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon. In his first interview on the subject, master distiller Jim Rutledge explains why dropping the limited-edition release will make more single barrel bottlings available to consumers, along with the prospects for bringing back the annual release in the future. In the news, Scotch Whisky producers are preparing for a fight with Westminster over taxes, we have more details on last weekend's Sunday Herald report about water usage violations at some Scottish distilleries, US regulators are cracking down on vague age statements, and there are new whiskies to talk about from Woodford Reserve and Glenmorangie. Finally, tasters at an event planned for Valentine's Day in London may really detect a note of sweat in their whiskies...]]>36:39noWhiskyCast Episode 517: January 18, 2015Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:51:59 +0000In the second of our two episodes from this weekend’s Victoria Whisky Festival, we'll catch up on more of the week's news - including more details on the $50,000 bottle of The Balvenie 50 stolen in a Montreal robbery Thursday and a Scottish newspaper report that several distilleries are in hot water with environmental protection officials over using too much water. We'll also get the latest on new whiskies from Springbank, the revival of a historic blended Scotch brand, and Corby's Dr. Don Livermore clears up more misconceptions about Canadian Whisky.]]>34:47noWhiskyCast Episode 516: January 17, 2015Sun, 18 Jan 2015 02:15:55 +0000We're on the road for the first time in 2015 this weekend, with the first of two episodes from the 10th annual Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. The weekend kicked off with the annual Canadian Whisky Awards presentation Thursday night at the Hotel Grand Pacific, including a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Forty Creek founder John Hall. We'll hear from John and Canadian Whisky Awards founder Davin de Kergommeaux on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Montreal police are looking for a robber with very expensive taste in whisky following a holdup Thursday at the SAQ's flagship store in Montreal, Collingwood Rye takes Canadian Whisky of the Year honors, and Beam Suntory plans to export Alberta Premium for the first time.]]>43:52noWhiskyCast Episode 515: January 10, 2015Sun, 11 Jan 2015 05:26:28 +0000On New Year's Day, David Perkins and his team at Utah's High West Distillery fired up the still at their new distillery for the first time. High West has been making whiskey since 2009 at its historic distillery and restaurant in the heart of Park City, and while the current distillery will continue, the bulk of High West's production will eventually come from the new facility located on a dude ranch and resort along Interstate 80 a few miles north of Park City. Perkins joins us to discuss the new distillery on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. We'll also have details on the latest chapter in the Balcones saga, a fake whisky scam in the UK, new whiskies from Aultmore and Balblair, and tasting notes on whiskies from Glencadam, Glenfiddich, and a new single barrel from Crown Royal.]]>29:34noWhiskyCast Episode 514: January 3, 2015Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:16:03 +0000Irish whiskey will take another step in 2015 with the first exports of Yellow Spot to the US market, still the strongest market in the world for Irish whiskey sales. While Yellow Spot is produced by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery near Cork, the brand is owned by Dublin-based whisky and wine merchant Mitchell & Son. Robert Mitchell is the latest family member to head up the 210-year-old business, and joins us to discuss this month's US launch of Yellow Spot, along with the global potential for Irish whiskey sales. In the news, Japan's Nikka Whisky is mourning the death of former president Takeshi Taketsuru, the adopted son of founder Masataka Taketsuru, Chip Tate is expected to announce more details on his new Texas distillery this coming week, and Laphroaig will revive its 15-year-old Islay single malt for 2015 as part of the distillery's 200th anniversary celebration.]]>24:21noWhiskyCast Episode 513: December 28, 2014Sun, 28 Dec 2014 23:35:11 +0000As we close out 2014, we'll hear from the man some might call "The Whisky Whisperer" for his ability to coax young distilleries into producing spirit that's mature after just a few years. Dr. Jim Swan's client list includes Penderyn, Kilchoman, and Taiwan's King Car Distillery, which took the top two spots in this year's Malt Maniacs Awards with Kavalan Solist single malts. He's also involved with new distilleries in Scotland and England, as well as projects around the world, and will share some of them with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. We'll have the latest on plans for another expansion at The Glenlivet, along with new whiskies from Bruichladdich and Woodford Reserve, and this week's tasting notes focus on Tomatin's Cuatro series of identical single malts finished in four different types of sherry casks.]]>39:55noEpisode 512: December 20, 2014Sun, 21 Dec 2014 02:18:58 +0000Each year, the Malt Maniacs honor some of the world's best whiskies with the Malt Maniacs Awards. This year, for the first time, the overall winner didn't come from Scotland or Japan..but from Taiwan's King Car Distillery, which took the top two spots with Kavalan Solist sherry cask bottlings. Only four gold medals were awarded in the competition, and we'll discuss the results with Maniacs Peter Silver and Robert Karlson...two of the 10 judges on this year's judging panel. In the news, Diageo wins a trademark lawsuit in Houston against the maker of "Crown Club" whiskies, while giving Texans the first ever single-barrel bottling of Crown Royal. We'll also have more on new whiskies from around the world, and this week's tasting notes include an Aultmore single malt from Douglas Laing & Co. that raised eyebrows when it was released in Israel.]]>36:57noWhiskyCast Episode 511: December 13, 2014Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:03:00 +0000Amrut got whisky lovers used to the idea of single malt whiskies from India, and now, Paul John is challenging Amrut's standing as the leader in Indian single malts. John Distilleries has been making single malt whisky in Goa for the last 10 years, but only started exporting it to the UK and Europe in 2012. The Paul John whiskies have now arrived in Australia, and are expected to enter the US market in 2015. Krish Kumar of Paul John explains the distillery's story on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Maker's Mark is now facing a court challenge over its claims of being "handmade", another Bourbon attraction is coming to downtown Louisville, and the airport security guards are going to love a new shoe design coming from London...one with compartments for whisky bottles in the heels!]]>29:13noWhiskyCast Episode 510: December 8, 2014Mon, 08 Dec 2014 05:37:24 +0000As we reported on our last episode, Balcones Distilling founder Chip Tate has accepted a buyout agreement from the majority owners of the Waco, Texas distillery. Tate will not return to the distillery he built in 2009, and sold his 27% ownership stake in Balcones for an undisclosed amount. In this bonus episode of WhiskyCast, we'll have complete interviews with Tate and Balcones chairman Greg Allen - in his first interview on the dispute. Of course, we have much more than just that to bring you. We'll have the details on the start of construction on The Macallan's $168 million distillery and visitors center in Speyside, the winners of Whisky Magazine's 2015 Scotland Icons of Whisky Awards, details on new whiskies from Oban and BenRiach, and tasting notes for Glenmorangie's new Dornoch travel retail exclusive release.]]>01:10:01noWhiskyCast Episode 509: December 6, 2014Sun, 07 Dec 2014 04:46:33 +0000In the first of this week's two episodes of WhiskyCast, we'll travel to Sweden to look at two of the country's whisky distilleries. Mackmyra is Sweden's oldest distillery...even though it's only 15 years old, and matures its malts in a former mine 50 metres underground. The Box Distillery has just released its second single malt four years after beginning production in a former power plant, and both releases sold out within hours at Sweden's state-run liquor monopoly. In the news, Chip Tate has accepted a buyout offer from Balcones Distillery's majority owners and has left with plans to start his own distillery in Waco, Texas, but there remains a great deal of bitterness between the two sides. We'll have more on this story in this week's bonus episode. Former Bruichladdich managing director Mark Reynier is back in the whisky business after working out a deal to buy a former Guinness brewery in Ireland and convert it into a distillery, and the Beam brothers have brought a new partner in to help grow their Limestone Branch Distillery in Kentucky.]]>37:11noWhiskyCast Episode 508: November 29, 2014Sun, 30 Nov 2014 04:46:45 +0000Irish Whiskey has been leading the global growth in whisky sales for the last several years, posting double-digit gains every year. That growth is being reflected in the number of new distilleries under construction or being planned in Ireland, and distillers from both sides of the border have come together to form the Irish Whiskey Association. Peter Morehead of Irish Distillers was elected the association's first president, and joins us to discuss the state of Irish Whiskey on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, former Bruichladdich managing director Mark Reynier is getting back into the whisky business with a new distillery, Chip Tate's scheduled to return to Balcones at the end of this coming week and plans major changes while his dispute with Balcones' majority investors continues, and Springbank's owners thumb their noses at the results of the recent Scottish independence referendum with a new release honoring the losing side in that election.]]>31:11noWhiskyCast Episode 507: November 22, 2014Sun, 23 Nov 2014 06:19:49 +0000Dewar's has focused on its Blended Scotch whiskies for generations, with the limited exception in recent years of single malts from Aberfeldy. However, a team within Dewar's has been working quietly for the last six years to change that focus, and the result is the Last Great Malts series. The new range made its debut earlier this year with redesigned packaging for Aberfeldy, and new whiskies from Craigellachie and Aultmore are just now entering the market. In 2015, we'll see The Deveron single malts from Macduff Distillery and the first mainstream single malts ever from 212-year-old Royal Brackla. Stephen Marshall led the Dewar's team behind the Last Great Malts, and opens up about the process behind the new range on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, new distilleries are on line in Scotland and Kentucky, a historic Speyside whisky bar is open after major renovations, and the "Bourbon Summit" may already have a winner.]]>40:23noWhiskyCast Episode 506: November 15, 2014Sun, 16 Nov 2014 04:31:03 +0000Stuart Harvey has been the master blender for Inver House for nearly 11 years, and he's living proof that you don't have to be born into the industry to become a master blender. He started out making beer, but made the switch to whisky and never looked back. He'll join us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss the art of blending, and how it's just as much of a challenge to create a Single Malt expression as it is a Blended Scotch. In the news, Chip Tate has won a key battle in his bid to regain control of Balcones Distilling, thieves strike a whisky warehouse near Glasgow, and the Kentucky sheriff investigating last year's Pappy Van Winkle theft is convinced it was an inside job...but needs more evidence before he can make any arrests. We'll also look at the week's new whiskies, and this week's tasting notes feature the new Jura 1984 and Douglas Laing's new Timorous Beastie Highland Blended Malt.]]>43:26noWhiskyCast Episode 505: November 8, 2014Sun, 09 Nov 2014 05:33:31 +0000This episode marks the end of our 9th year, and we'll hear from two of the more outspoken voices in the whisky world on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. Simon and Phil Thompson run the family-owned Dornoch Castle Hotel in the Scottish Highlands, and their hotel's bar was named Scotland's Whisky Bar of the Year this week by the Scottish Licensed Trade News. The Thompson brothers are almost as well-known for their opinions as their whisky selection, and they pulled no punches in a wide-ranging interview the other night in Dornoch. In the news, Diageo pulls the trigger on a swap of Bushmills for Don Julio Tequila, Glenfiddich goes retro with a new expression re-creating the one it pioneered in 1963, Pappy Fever hits epidemic status, and a Canadian liquor store pays the price for bargain-basement shelving.]]>01:03:54noWhiskyCast Episode 504: November 1, 2014Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:10:58 +0000The battle between Scotland's illicit distillers and the excisemen known as "gaugers" is the stuff of which legends, books, and now, a movie have been made. Filmmaker Mike Dziennik's "Peat Reek" will be shown this coming weekend at the Inverness Film Festival, and tells the story of a young gauger sent to the Highlands to shut down the whisky makers and the local minister who helps him see the light. We'll talk with Mike Dziennik on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the Wall Street Journal reports Diageo may be close to trading Bushmills for control of the Don Julio tequila brand, Emperador closes its deal to buy Whyte & Mackay, Old Pulteney goes green with biomass power, and Fireball faces a firestorm in Scandinavia. This week's tasting notes include The Balvenie's new Tun 1509 Batch 1, Balblair's 1999 Vintage Second Release, and what may well be one of the world's worst whiskies - a herring cask-finished single malt!]]>41:41noWhiskyCast Episode 503: October 25, 2014Sun, 26 Oct 2014 00:15:26 +0000This week's episode comes from Whiskey Live Dublin, and we'll be focusing on Irish whiskies this time around with some of the winners from Thursday night's Irish Whiskey Awards ceremony at Kilbeggan Distillery. We'll also get the details on the most expensive Irish whiskey ever released, the Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition...as well as the upcoming US debut of Yellow Spot. It won't be an all-Ireland show, though...we''ll hear from Chip Tate on his side of the Balcones Distilling dispute now that his gag order has been lifted, and while Bourbon's global boom is causing a boom in Kentucky's economy, a slowdown in Scotch whisky sales has prompted Diageo to slow down its expansion plans in Scotland.]]>43:36noWhiskyCast Episode 502: October 18, 2014Sun, 19 Oct 2014 06:33:21 +0000Finland has a love-hate relationship with whisky. Finns love it, and the Finnish government hates it. Distilled spirits advertising is banned, and regulators went so far as to force the organizers of a Helsinki beer and whisky festival this coming weekend to drop "whisky" from the event's name or risk losing their permits. It's still legal to make whisky in Finland, though...and we'll find out more about Teerenpeli Distillery & Brewery and the Kyrö Distilling Company on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Chivas Brothers gives its new Speyside distillery a name, both sides in the Balcones Distilling dispute head back to court this week, and we'll find out about some wearable whisky fashion, along with tasting notes for one Bourbon, one Scotch...and one Joker.]]>31:19noWhiskyCast Episode 501: October 11, 2014Sun, 12 Oct 2014 03:56:49 +0000This week, we'll look at the growth of craft distilling through the eyes of Darek Bell and James Rodewald. Bell is one of the co-founders of Corsair Artisan Distillery, and has just published his second book. "Fire Water" looks at ways of producing uniquely smoky whiskies. Veteran drinks writer James Rodewald studied the boom in craft distilling for his new book "American Spirit." We'll also look at a bunch of new whiskies flooding the market from around the world, a flood at a distillery in Speyside, and a Manhattan mixologist teaches us how to make the perfect Manhattan. ]]>59:20noWhiskyCast Episode 500: October 6, 2014Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:41:55 +0000This is a special episode of WhiskyCast - not only is it the 500th episode, but it's the second of two episodes this weekend from The Whisky Show in London! We're packing a lot into this episode, with news on new whiskies from Girvan, Kilchoman, and others, a re-start of production at Sweden's Mackmyra Distillery, and a look at some of the new whisky books just being published. Our main focus, though, is an in-depth look at whisky collecting, following yet another mainstream media story in Sunday's Telegraph touting the investment value of rare whiskies. We'll talk to some of the whisky lovers who hoped to get one of the rare Karuizawa single malt bottlings produced specially for the show, but were beaten to the punch..along with some who managed to get their hands on one. Much of the demand is coming from Asia, and things have gotten so crazy that some whisky bloggers are shooting video of themselves smashing empty sample bottles of Ardbeg's recent Supernova release just to prove they didn't sell their coded samples. Finally, we'll hear from one of the world's top whisky collectors...Sukhinder Singh, who's seen whisky investing from all sides as both a collector and retailer of rare whiskies.]]>56:22noWhiskyCast Episode 499: October 4, 2014Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:58:46 +0000This is the first of two episodes this weekend from The Whisky Show in London, and we'll be looking at some of the new whiskies that made their debut this weekend at Vinopolis, home of The Whisky Exchange. Some of the newest whiskies are actually very old whiskies, including four special Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection single malts to celebrate the transition of the family-owned business to a new generation of Urquharts. Michael Urquhart, the last of the third generation members to retire, helped introduce the 57 to 63-year-old whiskies during a master class today in London. Another longtime family-owned firm, Berry Bros. & Rudd, unveiled the oldest single grain Scotch whisky bottling on record, a 50-year-old North British grain distilled in 1962. We'll also check on the new Chivas Brothers distillery in Speyside that's ramping up operations this week, along with Edradour's plans to expand Scotland's smallest distillery, and check on other new releases from around the world.]]>31:44noWhiskyCast Episode 498: September 26, 2014Sat, 27 Sep 2014 01:42:56 +0000With all of the issues being raised over whisky labeling in the US and a new lawsuit challenging claims on Templeton Rye's labels, we'll hear this week from an attorney who's become an expert in the US regulatory process as both a lawyer and distillery owner. David DeFazio is one of the co-founders of Wyoming Whiskey, and has been through the TTB's maze of red tape on several occasions. He'll explain the process and the potential pitfalls on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, we'll have more on the class-action lawsuit targeting Templeton Rye, Brown-Forman will invest $30 million in a new downtown Louisville distillery for Old Forester, and Scotch whisky exports fell during the first half of 2014. We'll also have the latest on new whiskies from around the world, and here's a riddle to this week's tasting notes: think of a deer lost in space.]]>38:01noWhiskyCast Episode 497: September 21, 2014Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:27:26 +0000It's Kentucky Bourbon Festival week, and there's a lot of news coming out of Bourbon Country these days. Thousands of Bourbon lovers descended on Bardstown and the Louisville area for the annual festival, which comes as Diageo opened the new Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Louisville's historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery to the public for the first time, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomed a new member, and much more. In the news, Diageo and The Explorers Club have settled their legal differences, while the next hearing in the Balcones Distilling dispute has been delayed until October 7. We'll also get reaction to this week's decision by Scottish voters to stick with the United Kingdom...for now.]]>42:51noWhiskyCast Episode 496: September 12, 2014Sat, 13 Sep 2014 04:43:55 +0000Templeton Rye has been in the spotlight in recent weeks as critics go after so-called "sourced whisky" producers for what they claim are violations of a US regulation that requires the disclosure of the "state of distillation" of a whisky if it's different from the producer's home state. The Iowa-based company announced two weeks ago that it will change its labeling to disclose that its whisky is distilled in Indiana, while noting that it's been up front about that fact for years everywhere but on the label. Templeton's Scott Bush and Keith Kerkhoff will tell us their side of the story on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Scotch Whisky producers are nervous about the upcoming independence referendum, Kentucky's Bourbon Hall of Fame will induct one of the industry's pioneering women, and there are plenty of new whiskies to talk about. This week's tasting notes include the Four Roses 2014 Limited Edition Small Batch, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, and the Parker's Heritage Collection 2014 "Original Batch" Wheat Whiskey.]]>41:41noWhiskyCast Episode 495: September 7, 2014Mon, 08 Sep 2014 06:46:21 +0000When you've worked at the same place for 60 years, it's hard for your colleagues to keep a secret from you. Wild Turkey and the Kentucky Distillers Association managed to keep a secret from Jimmy Russell for months, though. This Wednesday will be his 60th anniversary at the distillery, and last week, the KDA held a luncheon at Wild Turkey to honor Jimmy with only the sixth lifetime honorary membership ever presented by the association in its 130-year history. We'll hear from the "Buddha of Bourbon" on just how surprised he was, along with the KDA's Eric Gregory...and Jimmy even gives us advance details on a new release of Wild Turkey Forgiven, too. In the news, there are plenty of new Bourbons on the way, along with several new single malts from Scotland, and we'll also get some of the reaction to last week's interview on whisky labeling issues with Steve Gertman of California's Ascendant Spirits.]]>32:06noWhiskyCast Episode 494: August 30, 2014Sat, 30 Aug 2014 22:18:37 +0000Steve Gertman of California's Ascendant Spirits produces Breaker Bourbon, and his brand is one of those targeted by a Chicago-based law firm that specializes in class-action lawsuits, and is "investigating" claims by small-batch whisky brands about the source of their whiskies. Like many small producers, Gertman has been sourcing whiskey from other distillers while the Bourbon he's making is aging, and he responds to the claims on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth along with criticism he's received since appearing on WhiskyCast last January. In the news, Templeton Rye is also a target of the law firm's probe, and has announced that it will change its label to reflect that the whiskey is distilled in Indiana and not Iowa. We'll also have reaction from other targets of the probe as well, along with the reaction of Charbay's Marko Karakasevic to last weekend's Napa Valley earthquake and much more!]]>30:19noWhiskyCast Episode 493: August 22, 2014Sat, 23 Aug 2014 05:45:52 +0000This week, we'll wrap up our conversation with Bourbon Hall of Fame member Chuck Cowdery, author of the new book "Bourbon: Strange" and get his views on more of the controversies facing the whisky industry. Diageo broke ground this week for the new Bulleit Bourbon distillery in Kentucky, and Chuck has some harsh words for the way Diageo and its predecessors have handled American whiskey in the past. He's also upset with what he and other critics see as lax oversight by federal regulators on whisky labeling, and doesn't hesitate to name names in Part 2 of our WhiskyCast In-Depth interview. In the news, we'll hear more from Tom Bulleit on the groundbreaking for the new Bulleit distillery and Cara Laing updates us on upcoming new whiskies from Douglas Laing & Co. Finally, we'll talk about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the new Whiskey Ice Challenge in honor of Heaven Hill's Parker Beam, and Parker's wife Linda passed along a message to everyone supporting the fight against ALS.]]>35:56noWhiskyCast Episode 492: August 16, 2014Sun, 17 Aug 2014 03:36:12 +0000Chuck Cowdery is regarded as one of the top Bourbon writers around, and is one of the few writers to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his work. His latest book is "Bourbon: Strange", and Chuck debunks some of the mythology surrounding Bourbon while sharing some stories as well. He'll join us this week on WhiskyCast In-Depth for part one of a two-part interview, with the rest on next week's episode. In the news, Russia is now going after Jack Daniel's as the trade war with the West gets uglier, and we'll have the latest on new whiskies and new distilleries. Also, The Balvenie is kicking off its 2014 Rare Craft Collection tour this weekend on California's Monterey Peninsula, and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will tell us how he selected the items for this year's collection. He'll also tell us about his private tasting session with The Balvenie's David Stewart, and why you won't see him driving the brand's vintage Morgan sports car any time soon.]]>48:56noWhiskyCast Episode 491: August 8, 2014Sat, 09 Aug 2014 01:54:00 +0000Stuart Nickerson has kept a low profile since leaving Glenglassaugh Distillery following its sale last year, but he has several new projects coming on line in the coming weeks. He's about to launch the first single cask bottling from his own line of whiskies, and will launch a new gin this coming week as the first product from a new distillery he's working with on Shetland - with whiskies to come in the future. He'll discuss both projects with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Scotch Whisky narrowly avoids Russian economic sanctions in the dispute over Ukraine, while a Kentucky Bourbon gets the boot from Moscow. The Explorers Club won the first round in its battle with Diageo over a Johnnie Walker travel retail collection, and we'll have tasting notes for a new whisky with a dark origin. ]]>35:11noWhiskyCast Episode 490: August 1, 2014Sat, 02 Aug 2014 03:02:34 +0000Scotland's newest distillery has opened on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula along the western coast, and the first casks of spirit were filled on Thursday at Adelphi's Ardnamurchan Distillery. Veteran whisky maker Graeme Bowie left Balblair Distillery last year to oversee construction of the distillery and serve as its first manager, and he'll join us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo reported a sharp downturn in sales during the last fiscal year, and the drinks giant's shares are on a Barclays watch list for possible effects from next month's Scottish independence referendum. We'll have the details on a New York craft distiller that's now maturing its whiskies in casks made from locally grown trees, new whiskies from Arran and Elijah Craig, and a truce in the Bourbon Feud between the mayors of Louisville and Bardstown.]]>31:04noWhiskyCast Episode 489: July 25, 2014Sat, 26 Jul 2014 03:21:31 +0000Tasmania's distillers have been making some unusual and incredible whiskies in recent years, but many of them are flying under the radar of whisky lovers. Belgrove Distillery is one of those underrated distilleries, but when WhiskyCast listener Matt Wooler told us we had to check it out, we did. Peter Bignell built the distillery from the ground up on his farm, where he grows his own grain, makes his own whisky, and even fills and labels each bottle by hand. He's also making what may well be one of the few peated rye whiskies in the world, and shares his story with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Kentucky's stocks of maturing Bourbon have reached the five million barrel mark for the first time since 1977, we'll get the latest on commemorative bottlings from Maker's Mark and The Famous Grouse, and Woodford Reserve mourns the death of a longtime family member...Elijah, the distillery cat.]]>35:11noWhiskyCast Episode 488: July 18, 2014Sat, 19 Jul 2014 02:58:08 +0000Celebrity-branded spirits are a big trend these days, and the whisky world is no exception. Last week, we reported on the lawsuit filed by John Wayne's heirs against Duke University seeking to protect the family's trademark rights to produce a "Duke Bourbon" featuring the late actor. It's a little easier when the brand is based on a character instead of the actor, though...and this week, we'll hear from two entrepreneurs who have done just that. Michael Howard of Prairie Creek Beverages in Dallas is behind the J.R. Ewing Bourbon named after the legendary "Dallas" villain, and Ed Caan of Riviera Imports worked with Paramount Pictures on Ron Burgundy Great Odin's Raven Scotch as part of last winter's "Anchorman 2" premiere. He'll tell us what Paramount executives originally wanted to call the whisky, too.

We'll also have the latest on the pending sale of Whyte & Mackay, along with word that distillers just down the road from J.R.'s Southfork Ranch have won a zoning battle for their new distillery site. David Beckham, Simon Fuller, and Diageo have launched their Haig Club single grain Scotch in London, and The Famous Grouse releases a special bottling for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Finally, we'll look at ideas for summer whisky cocktails with bartender Jeff Bell of PDT in New York City.

]]>40:02noWhiskyCast Episode 487: July 11, 2014Sat, 12 Jul 2014 04:07:08 +0000Glenmorangie's Dr. Bill Lumsden wanted to push the envelope 16 years ago when he got his hands on some French Oak barriques from an undisclosed Bordeaux wine chateau, and see just how long he could put a whisky away for finishing. He got his answer a couple of years ago when five of those barriques yielded the Glenmorangie Pride 1978 single malt that was released this week. We'll discuss that process with him on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and he'll respond to Ardbeg lovers who claim the Islay landmark's current releases don't quite match up to those old classic Ardbegs, but still want him to revive the Ardbeg 17-year-old. In the news, Scotland's whisky industry gets dragged into the independence referendum debate, while two distillers pick their sides in the showdown. Speaking of showdowns, John Wayne's family is squaring off in court against Duke University over a Bourbon honoring the legendary movie star.]]>39:39noWhiskyCast Episode 486: July 4, 2014Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:36:36 +0000Corn farmers have a saying "knee high by the Fourth of July" to gauge whether their crop will be a good one, and we'll look at the grains that go into making "America's Native Spirit" with veteran Bourbon distiller Dave Pickerell on this Independence Day episode. Corn, rye, wheat, and barley each add their own unique character to a Bourbon, along with many of the exotic grains distillers experiment with, and Dave will break them down for us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Glasgow leaders give their blessing to a new distillery along the River Clyde, and we'll have more on new distilleries in Ireland and New Zealand, along with an update on new whiskies from Highland Park, Jim Beam, and Kininvie. This week's tasting notes include Barrell Bourbon, Jim Beam's new Signature Craft Quarter Cask, High West's American Prairie Reserve, and a rare Glengoyne 15 matured exclusively in Bourbon casks.]]>37:50noWhiskyCast Episode 485: June 27, 2014Sat, 28 Jun 2014 01:13:29 +0000Michael Urquhart is retiring from Gordon & MacPhail in September, but the leader of the family-owned business calls it a natural "changing of the guard." However, his successor is the first person from outside the Urquhart family to lead Gordon & MacPhail in its 120-year history. We'll talk whisky and family with Michael and Ewen Mackintosh on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, there's another retirement as Bruichladdich's Duncan McGillivray wraps up his 40-year career, the Bourbon Capital of the World is getting another new distillery as the Bardstown Bourbon Distillery brings a Bourbon Hall of Famer home, and we'll catch up with the guys from Seattle's Westland Distillery as they spread their wings with a new distribution deal.]]>44:12noWhiskyCast Episode 484: June 20, 2014Sat, 21 Jun 2014 03:05:37 +0000Distilling is serious business, and safety is paramount. Brianna Bailey of The Oklahoman can testify to that...she was an eyewitness to an explosion inside Twister Distillery in Moore, Oklahoma on Friday, June 13. Distiller Jeff Thurmon was critically burned after an open propane flame ignited the stream of alcohol spraying from his still. Bailey and the distillery's owner escaped unhurt. She shares the story of that day with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and Scott Harris of Catoctin Creek Distillery explains why distillers have to make safety their top priority. Even if you never plan to work in a distillery, you may visit one someday, and we all need to keep safety in mind. We also have updates on new distilleries and expansion projects in Scotland, Utah, and Kentucky...the latest on new whiskies from Maker's Mark, Crown Royal, and Bowmore...and the kickoff of the Summer Whisky Challenge.]]>44:01noWhiskyCast Episode 483: June 13, 2014Sat, 14 Jun 2014 03:34:05 +0000David Blackmore spends most of his year on the road as the brand ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, and was in Taipei for Ardbeg Day 2014 in what he describes as one of his most interesting road trips yet. He'll share stories from the road with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth during a brief break from his travels. In the news, we have word on new whiskies from Maker's Mark, Crown Royal, GlenDronach, and Kilchoman. Diageo wins a legal battle with Tennessee regulators, and a sad story from Oklahoma is proof that craft distilling isn't without its risks. This week's tasting notes have a Hollywood feel, as we'll look at a couple of whiskies with famous names...if not whisky pedigrees.]]>28:46noWhiskyCast Episode 482: June 6, 2014Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:04:38 +0000Humans have been drinking alcohol for centuries, but there are still many things we don't understand about it...basic things like the chemistry behind fermentation and the biology behind the effect it has on us. Wired Magazine's Adam Rogers has been studying the science of alcohol for his new book "Proof: The Science of Booze" and "distills" it into layman's terms for us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, UK regulators want the public to weigh in on the sale of Whyte & Mackay, Campari completes its acquisition of Canada's Forty Creek Distillery, and Australia's Tasmania Distillery is on the move. We'll continue the science focus in this week's tasting notes with a look at the latest Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Bourbons.]]>39:36noWhiskyCast Episode 481: May 31, 2014Fri, 30 May 2014 22:46:00 +0000Tokyo's whisky bars are legendary, but so hard to find that they're often compared to Prohibition-era speakeasies. Hidetsugo Ueno owns Bar High Five in Tokyo's Ginza district, and shares his stories of Tokyo bar life with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo announces plans for a new $115 million distillery in Kentucky, while the drinks giant's CEO is warning of problems if Scotland breaks away from the United Kingdom. Robb Report names Redbreast 21 its "Best Of The Best" among spirits, and Ardbeg kicks off its World Cup-themed Auriverdes single malt not on Islay, but just outside Boston. This week's tasting notes include Auchentoshan's new American Oak single malt, Tomatin's new 14-year-old, and the Buchanan's Master blended Scotch.]]>32:20noWhiskyCast Episode 480: May 24, 2014Fri, 23 May 2014 17:49:00 +0000Seiichi Koshimizu has been making whisky at Suntory for 41 years, and became the company's chief blender in 1991. Over the years, he's been responsible for the Hibiki range of blended whiskies, along with the Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts. With help from interpreter Ayami Nakao, he'll share his story with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. The Islay Festival of Malt & Music kicks off this weekend, and we'll have updates on several of this year's Feis Ile bottlings along with a new Laphroaig, experimental Bourbons from Buffalo Trace, and more in the week's news. This week's tasting notes include the Hibiki 17, Orphan Barrel Rhetoric, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and Armorik Double Matured from France.]]>30:46noWhiskyCast Episode 479: May 17, 2014Sat, 17 May 2014 21:36:22 +0000The old saying goes "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Dan Garrison's life was full of lemons back in 2003, and he decided to make lemonade...or in this case, Bourbon. His Garrison Brothers Distillery in the Texas Hill Country helped spark the Texas whiskey boom, and Dan Garrison shares his story with us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the third Orphan Barrel Bourbon from Diageo is on the way, along with another batch of Buffalo Trace's Single Oak Project Bourbons...we'll get a preview of Bunnahabhain's Feis Ile whiskies, and Scotch Whisky Association leaders are expressing more concerns about September's independence referendum.]]>37:07noWhiskyCast Episode 478: May 10, 2014Sun, 11 May 2014 05:26:06 +0000Mark Brown heads up Buffalo Trace and its parent company, Sazerac, and he's known for speaking his mind even when it goes against the rest of the Bourbon industry. These days, he's expressing concerns about an ongoing shortage of Bourbon that can't meet today's demands, let alone the potential demand in years to come. Not only is aged Bourbon in short supply, but the new oak barrels Bourbon producers depend on are also in short supply. Brown says distillers, cooperages, and forest owners need to start working on a strategy for the future. In the news, Whyte & Mackay sells for $724.5 million, Suntory's moving quickly to get more Japanese whisky into the US market after closing its deal to buy Beam, and a Speyside golf club now has whiskies from every one of the area's distilleries in its clubhouse.]]>37:21noWhiskyCast Episode 477: May 3, 2014Sun, 04 May 2014 03:09:28 +0000Most distillery startups these days come from entrepreneurs looking for a new challenge in life, and Ken Lewis is no different. His New Riff Distillery in Newport, Kentucky is literally a "new riff" after 38 years of running The Party Source, one of the largest liquor stores in the Cincinnati area. New Riff is scheduled to distill its first spirit this week, and Ken joins us to discuss his reasons for switching from selling whisky to making it on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Suntory closes its $16 billion deal to acquire Beam, Edrington opens the doors on its new US division, Louisville looks to build on the boom in Bourbon tourism, and at a time when no-age-statement whiskies are fashionable, Heaven Hill adds one to its Bernheim Wheat Whiskey.]]>28:16noWhiskyCast Episode 476: April 26, 2014Sat, 26 Apr 2014 17:30:40 +0000Whisky has inspired many musicians over the years, but Copper Dogs is turning that around. Four whisky industry veterans have turned to performing, though Sam Simmons, Cat Spencer, Rob Allanson, and Simon Roser won't be giving up their day jobs any time soon. They're performing at Balvenie Castle during the upcoming Spirit of Speyside Festival, and Sam Simmons joins us to discuss music and whisky on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. We have plenty of new whiskies to talk about this week from The Balvenie, Aberfeldy, Tomatin, The Glenlivet and more, while Kavalan's Taiwanese single malts are finally available in the US, Suntory's acquisition of Beam is almost complete, and Sullivan's Cove French Oak -- dubbed the World's Best Single Malt in last month's World Whiskies Awards -- is completely gone.]]>33:21nomusic,scotland,scotch,whisky,motown,balvenieWhiskyCast Episode 475: April 19, 2014Sat, 19 Apr 2014 05:06:05 +0000Whisky has a place in the kitchen as well as the bar, and Bourbon may well be one of the most versatile spirits chefs can experiment with. It adds a special touch to sauces, desserts, and meat as well as cocktails, and Charlotte Observer food editor Kathleen Purvis explores all of them in her new cookbook, "Bourbon". She joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, three top Beam executives are planning new careers once Suntory takes control of the company, Asia's whisky boom may be turning into a bubble, Scotch whisky gets new protection against fakes in Australia, and four craft distillers are collaborating on a new Bourbon that hits Chicago this coming week. We'll have tasting notes for Four Kings Bourbon, along with Bulleit and Jim Beam's new single barrel Bourbons.]]>38:26nocooking,chef,recipe,bourbon,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 474: April 11, 2014Sun, 13 Apr 2014 04:36:38 +0000Craft distillers took center stage during Whisky Live New York on Wednesday evening, and we'll hear from several of them on this week's episode. Chip Tate of Balcones and Mike Reppucci of Sons of Liberty both won World Whiskies Awards last month for their whiskies, while Daric Schlesselman of Brooklyn's Van Brunt Stillhouse was making his Whisky Live debut with a four-grain American whiskey and a single malt. There's also plenty of news this week, as David Beckham takes some flak for teaming up with Diageo and Simon Fuller on the Haig Club single grain Scotch, the Scotch Whisky Association reports flat export numbers for 2013 and expresses concerns over Scotland's independence referendum, and Kentucky's Bourbon distillers help Gov. Steve Beshear pay off his NCAA basketball wager with Connecticut's governor.]]>35:26nodrink,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 473: April 5, 2014Sun, 06 Apr 2014 05:02:35 +0000Many of Scotland's historic distilleries have faded into history, to be remembered only by archivists and the occasional whisky lover. While the actual malts from Auchnagie, Stratheden, and others no longer exist -- a group of whisky lovers and entrepreneurs are trying to keep the names alive, and replicate those old malts as best they can using present-day whiskies. We'll find out more about The Lost Distillery Company's whiskies on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, we have word on new whiskies from Glenglassaugh, Bowmore, and Buffalo Trace, along with a new look for Benromach, this year's Maker's Mark Keeneland commemorative bottle, and the inside scoop on just what whisky Queen Elizabeth presented to Pope Francis this week at the Vatican.]]>21:41nohistory,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 472: March 29, 2014Sun, 30 Mar 2014 01:53:36 +0000James Espey has created some of whisky's legendary brands during his career, along with the Keepers of the Quaich, and was named an Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II last year for his services to the whisky industry. Now, he's busy with a brand of his own...and his own brand. The Last Drop is a boutique whisky brand he and his longtime friends created, and his story of personal brand-building is the subject of his new book "Making Your Marque." He'll share his story on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and you'll have a chance to win a signed copy, too.]]>40:46nodrinks,scotland,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 471: March 22, 2014Sun, 23 Mar 2014 03:13:44 +0000Dave Broom has written and edited many books on whisky and other spirits, but none quite like his latest book. "Whisky: The Manual" is for whisky drinkers who just want to enjoy a dram without having to know everything about it. He'll explain the logic behind his new book on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Australia's Sullivan's Cove French Oak scores an upset win in the World Whiskies Awards as the "World's Best Single Malt", and we'll hear from distillery manager Patrick Maguire. There's more to talk about in the noisy debate over what the definition of a "Tennessee Whiskey" should be, and word of a compromise proposal that's being floated at the state Capitol in Nashville. This week's tasting notes include two of the World Whiskies Awards winners, along with a special version of Jameson for St. Patrick's Day...and the other 364 days of the year.]]>34:01nobook,dave,tennessee,author,whiskey,whisky,broomWhiskyCast Episode 470: March 15, 2014Sun, 16 Mar 2014 04:25:43 +0000Bruichladdich expressions come and go...sort of like the waves on Loch Indaal do. Laddie fans are lamenting a decision to pull the Laddie Ten, Sixteen, and Twenty-Two single malts out of retail, but Bruichladdich's leaders say short supplies and global demand gave them no choice. We'll chat with CEO Simon Coughlin, Production Director Jim McEwan, and Commercial Director Douglas Taylor on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Campari moves into Canadian whisky with its acquisition of Forty Creek, Brown-Forman and Diageo square off in Nashville over standards for Tennessee Whiskey, and might Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye want to re-brand itself "Dad's Beret" for its debut in France?]]>56:00noscotland,scotch,whisky,laddie,islay,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 469: March 8, 2014Sun, 09 Mar 2014 03:32:22 +0000Graham Eunson has seen a lot during his career in the Scotch whisky industry. He shed a tear or two when he was assigned to close Scapa and Glendronach distilleries, burned with pride when Glenglassaugh's stills were fired up for the first time in more than two decades, and now manages Tomatin Distillery southwest of Inverness. In Tomatin, the distillery manager isn't just the boss, but the mayor...since the village was built around the distillery and its workers live in company-owned homes. We'll talk with Graham about life in Tomatin and taking over for the previous manager/mayor, 53-year Tomatin legend Douglas Campbell, on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth.

This week's episode was recorded on location at the Philadelphia Flower Show, where Jim Rutledge of Four Roses was signing bottles of a limited single barrel release for Pennsylvania's state-owned liquor stores. Jim shares the story behind that release, which he thinks is one of his best, along with details on the soon-to-be-released 2014 Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel. We'll also get details on Scotland's newest distillery, which is now being built on the Isle of Harris with a goal of not just creating good whisky, but good jobs.

]]>38:46nobourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,highlands,tomatinWhiskyCast Episode 468: March 1, 2014Sun, 02 Mar 2014 05:15:41 +0000Maker's Mark celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and the distillery is about to undergo a $70 million dollar expansion that will increase capacity by 50% to meet future demands, along with changes to make it easier for distillery workers and thousands of visitors to get around the complex. Maker's Mark President Rob Samuels explains the project and plans for marking the anniversary on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, there are more distillery projects planned in Scotland, details on the third Orphan Barrel Bourbon, and a new Scotch whisky from The Last Drop. We'll also answer a listener question about the history of Speyside distilleries, and this week's tasting notes include the new 25th Anniversary edition of Booker's Bourbon.]]>35:36nokentucky,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 467: February 23, 2014Sun, 23 Feb 2014 07:14:03 +0000Alwynne Gwilt couldn't stand whisky...hated it, in fact. That is, until a former boss in London dragged the Canadian expat to a media tasting. It's not quite the same transformation Peter Parker had following his encounter with a radioactive spider, but that evening turned Alwynne into "Miss Whisky". Now, she's on her own blogging, freelance writing, and leading whisky tastings...and joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo plans to open Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville to the public, but there are still no official plans to restart production...yet. Beam loses a preliminary battle in its legal fight over Irish whiskey supplies, Teeling Whiskey gets more distribution in Latin America, and The Glenrothes uncovers a single cask from 1969.]]>36:36nowomen,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 466: February 15, 2014Sun, 16 Feb 2014 05:23:25 +0000There have been many more questions than answers about Diageo's new Orphan Barrel range of whiskies...until now. Diageo's Ewan Morgan answers our questions about the origins of Old Blowhard and Barterhouse Bourbons, hints at the next release in series, and explains what distilleries often mean when they talk about "discovering" old casks of whisky in a warehouse. In the news, Whyte & Mackay is officially up for sale now, a Houston bar may be the only one in the world with a bottle of Glenmorangie 1963, and they're preparing for DramFest 2014 in Christchurch, New Zealand - three years after a massive earthquake devastated the city.]]>44:05cleanWhiskyCast Episode 465: February 8, 2014Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:34:53 +0000Whisky's brand ambassadors roam the world, racking up tens or hundreds of thousands of frequent flier miles every year and spending up to half their nights away from home, while pouring more drams than some full-time bartenders. We'll hear some of their tales from the road -- good and bad -- during this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, US whiskey exports hit a new high during 2013, while Irish whiskey exports could double by 2020. We'll hear from supporters and critics of the UK's new Scotch Whisky certification program, and this week's tasting notes include four vintage Bourbons.]]>29:44notravel,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 464: February 1, 2014Sun, 02 Feb 2014 04:46:26 +0000Kilchoman became Islay's newest distillery in 2005, about the same time Jean Donnay started making whisky at Glann ar Mor on France's Brittany Coast. Fast forward 10 years to 2015, when Donnay is scheduled to open his new distillery on Islay's Gartbreck Farm and claim the title of Islay's youngest distillery. Gartbreck received planning permission this week, and construction is expected to begin this May. Jean Donnay joins us on WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss his longtime dream of distilling on Islay and his plans for Gartbreck Farm. In the news, the TSA relaxes its rules on carrying duty-free whiskies on board flights for international passengers, Dublin officials give Teeling Whiskey the green light to start construction on its new distillery, and the Kentucky Bourbon Affair's "golden tickets" sold out in little more than a week.]]>33:41noscotland,bourbon,scotch,whisky,islay,gartbreckWhiskyCast Episode 463: January 25, 2014Sun, 26 Jan 2014 05:51:21 +0000Colin Scott is celebrating two anniversaries -- his 40th anniversary in the whisky business and 25th anniversary as the Master Blender for Chivas Regal and Royal Salute whiskies. His latest release is a tribute to Royal Salute's ties to the world of professional polo, and Colin took his inspiration for the blend from working with his family's polo ponies. He'll discuss his blends and working with whiskies that were just being distilled when he started his career on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Suntory denies reports that it's bidding for Whyte & Mackay and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail sets a new visitor record. We'll also have reaction to a moment in this week's WhiskyCast HD interview that caught Richard Paterson off guard, along with tasting notes for the Dalmore expression he created with Chef Daniel Boulud.]]>32:26nobourbon,polo,scotch,royal,whiskey,whisky,chivasWhiskyCast Episode 462: January 19, 2014Mon, 20 Jan 2014 06:54:43 +0000More coverage of the Victoria Whisky Festival in this bonus edition of WhiskyCast, with details on new and upcoming releases from Springbank, Duncan Taylor, Tomatin, and Glenfarclas. In the news, Whyte & Mackay's Richard Paterson discusses his concerns over the future of the company in an exclusive WhiskyCast interview, the world record price for a single bottle of whisky sold at auction has been shattered, and Barry Wilde of Alberta's Highwood Distillers updates us on the recovery from last summer's massive flooding that shut the distillery down for weeks.]]>35:38nocanada,festival,victoria,whiskey,whisky,patersonWhiskyCast Episode 461: January 17, 2014Sat, 18 Jan 2014 08:10:32 +0000This is the first of two episodes from this weekend's Victoria Whisky Festival in British Columbia, where Canadian whisky was featured on opening night with the presentation of the 2013 Canadian Whisky Awards. Corby's Lot No. 40 ended Forty Creek Distillery's three-year run as Canadian Whisky of the Year, but by the slimmest of margins. We'll hear from the winners, as well as the equally pleased runners-up. In the news, Suntory's $16 billion deal to acquire Beam is drawing fire from some critics, Wild Turkey will honor Jimmy Russell with a special bottling to mark his 60th anniversary at the distillery this year, and Clynelish will be the latest Diageo distillery in Scotland to get an expansion. Mark also offers a commentary on the Suntory-Beam merger and why it's good for whisky lovers.]]>22:51nocanadian,canada,victoria,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 460: January 11, 2014Sun, 12 Jan 2014 06:49:46 +0000London and Seattle have a few things in common: reputations for foggy, rainy weather...a vibrant cultural scene...and now, craft distilleries. Seattle's had them for several years, and the guys at Westland Distillery are actually on their second one, having moved from their original distillery to a brand-new one just south of downtown Seattle. London had whisky distilleries until 1905, but Darren Rook's London Distillery Company has just started making its first experimental batches of whisky in Battersea using one of the UK's smallest distilleries. We'll find out more on both distillers in this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth...in the news, the UK is implementing a new plan to certify the authenticity of Scotch Whisky, there's talk that the UK may cut whisky taxes ahead of the Scottish independence referendum, and Louisville's about to announce a major Bourbon event for this May.]]>39:26nolondon,distillery,seattle,whiskey,whisky,maltWhiskyCast Episode 459: January 4, 2014Sun, 05 Jan 2014 04:41:42 +0000Southern California isn't the place you'd normally think of for a Bourbon to call home, but Steve Gertman picked the wine country of Santa Barbara County to locate his Ascendant Spirits Distillery and produce Breaker Bourbon. Gertman joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and explains why he gave up a career most guys would dream of: producing TV shows featuring some of the world's hottest cars. We'll also look at a new Scottish Government report on the impact of Scotch Whisky exports, the latest release from Bowmore, and tasting notes for a 60-year-old Glenfarclas single malt.]]>29:02nocalifornia,bourbon,whiskey,whisky,breaker,bowmoreWhiskyCast Episode 458: December 29, 2013Sun, 29 Dec 2013 05:01:46 +0000The classic Irish pub is becoming an endangered species, thanks to a combination of progress and the economy. There are some pubs that still cling to tradition, and the Tap Tavern in Kinsale, County Cork, is a classic example. The Tap's been owned by four generations of the same family since 1886, and Mary O'Neill has been in charge since she inherited the pub from her aunt in 1974. We'll meet Mary and her son Brian on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the whisky industry loses two legends, another potential bidder may enter the contest for Whyte & Mackay, and Whisky Advocate announces its annual year-end awards.]]>19:56noirish,pub,whiskey,whisky,ireland,kinsaleWhiskyCast Episode 457: December 21, 2013Sat, 21 Dec 2013 05:47:30 +0000Think of Belgium and drinks, and beer is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, Belgians are quite fond of whisky as well, and Etienne Bouillon is trying to satisfy their passion with Belgium's first single malt whisky. The Owl Distillery has been making whisky since 2004, and sells almost all of its production within Belgium, including a 5-year-old single cask bottled this year at a whopping 76.1% ABV. In the news, an industry panel sides with critics of the controversial Dewar's "Meet The Baron" video, Diageo runs into another bump for control of India's United Spirits, and Jim Beam is making plans for a single barrel Bourbon that will even be sold by the barrel.]]>42:02nobelgium,baron,owl,whiskey,whisky,dewarsWhiskyCast Episode 456: December 14, 2013Sat, 14 Dec 2013 05:22:05 +0000Dewar's was forced to remove an online video promotion from the Internet this week after a social media-fueled protest campaign over the portrayal of women in its "Meet the Baron" video. Canadian whisky blogger Johanne McInnis was one of the leaders of the protest, and joins us to discuss the controversy in this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. McInnis has filed a complaint against Dewar's with the Distilled Spirits Council accusing the ad of violating the group's Code of Responsible Practices, and Frank Coleman of DISCUS will explain just how the code works. In the news, Kentucky distillers are working through a weather-related shortage of barrels, we'll have the latest on new whiskies, and Ardbeg's hitting the road with a new three-wheeler.]]>35:19nowomen,baron,scotch,protest,whisky,dewarsWhiskyCast Episode 455: December 8, 2013Sun, 08 Dec 2013 05:52:00 +0000The Malt Maniacs announced the results of the 11th annual Malt Maniacs Whisky Awards this week, and a 1973 Karuizawa single cask from Japan ended GlenDronach's three-year reign as the overall champion. This year's competition was one of the toughest ever, with only four gold medals out of nearly 200 entries. Maniacs Oliver Klimek and Keith Wood join us to discuss this year's competition on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, there's a $10,000 reward being offered in the Pappy Van Winkle thefts, The Macallan's David Cox updates us on the US launch of M and the distillery's £100 million expansion project, and Glenmorangie's David Blackmore explains how 50 bottles of the Glenmorangie 1963 were discovered in a warehouse. This week's tasting notes include the latest batch of Aberlour A'Bunadh and the Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select.]]>47:03noscotch,whisky,malt,maniacs,glenmorangie,macallan,karuizawaWhiskyCast Episode 454: December 2, 2013Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:00:00 +0000There's one question Diageo's whisky team has been asked for years -- why can't we have more Mortlach single malt bottlings? The Dufftown distillery has been prized by blenders for decades because its malt whisky adds depth and texture to their blends, but we're about to see what Mortlach can be on its own. Diageo is investing millions of dollars to make Mortlach the next major single malt Scotch whisky, in what's being described as the company's biggest single malt venture since the launch of the Classic Malts range 25 years ago.

We'll tour the distillery and discuss the expansion with managers Steve McGingle and Sean Phillips, and go through the four new Mortlach expressions to be launched in 2014 with Dr. Matthew Crow. In the news, The Macallan is getting a major investment of its own -- a $245 million distillery expansion scheduled to begin in late 2014. We'll also have more of your comments on age statements in Your Voice, along with tasting notes for a couple of the new Mortlachs and the latest Blue Hanger release from Berry Bros. & Rudd.

]]>58:36noscotland,distillery,scotch,whisky,malt,mortlachWhiskyCast Episode 453: November 23, 2013Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:08:17 +0000Gavin Hewitt is stepping down next month after ten years as the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, balancing the needs of member whisky companies with the industry's overall best interests as Scotch whisky sales have exploded globally. On this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, he'll go through the highlights of the last ten years and a few things he would have done differently. In the news, Diageo says it doesn't need to make a bid for Beam to succeed in the Bourbon business, Wild Turkey brings back its 101-proof Rye whiskey, and we'll have a complete roundup of new whiskies hitting the market this week.]]>46:46noscotland,bourbon,rye,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 452: November 16, 2013Sun, 17 Nov 2013 22:52:11 +0000Dr. Matthew Crow of Diageo is one of Scotch Whisky's up-and-coming blenders. Working under Dr. Jim Beveridge, he helped create Johnnie Walker Double Black and worked with Jim last year on the £120,000 John Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee whisky to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60th anniversary on the throne. In the past year, he's helped create three new Talisker releases, and joins us on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss the subtle differences in blending Single Malts versus Blended Scotch whiskies. In the news, Heaven Hill opens the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville's Main Street, Glenfiddich releases a special whisky to support wounded warriors, and we'll take a look at the 2014 Malt Whisky Yearbook with editor Ingvar Ronde.]]>32:35noscotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,taliskerWhiskyCast Episode 451: November 9, 2013Sat, 09 Nov 2013 21:04:00 +0000This week, we'll take a tour of a distillery very few people ever get to visit, Beam's Alberta Distillers facility in Calgary, Alberta. 80% of the distillery's whisky is sold in bulk to clients around the world, which means if you've tried all but a few Canadian whiskies, the chances are pretty good Rick Murphy and his team had something to do with them. The remaining 20% is bottled under the Alberta Premium and Alberta Springs labels for the Canadian market, along with the Tangle Ridge label available in the US and a few other markets. The distillery is on the edge of the Canadian Rockies, which means high altitude, low humidity, and lots of cold and snow. One of their innovations is a unique "straddle loader" to move barrels of whisky around without the risk of using a forklift in extreme weather. In the news...still no arrests in the Pappy Van Winkle theft, Diageo opens a new Scotch whisky warehousing complex in Fife, and Jim Murray names his whisky of the year for the 2014 Whisky Bible.]]>01:07:54nocanada,calgary,alberta,distillery,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 450: November 2, 2013Sun, 03 Nov 2013 07:33:00 +0000This week, we're in Banff, Alberta for a very special Bowmore weekend in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The "Bowmore on the Rockies" weekend featured a dinner with the entire 1964 Bowmore Trilogy series of Black, White, and Gold Bowmores, the 1995 release of the original Black Bowmore, and the 1964 Bowmore Fino Sherry Cask. Morrison Bowmore's Master of Malts, Iain McCallum, joins me to discuss the newest releases from Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch, along with some of the issues facing the whisky business today. In the news, the man wanted for questioning in the Pappy Van Winkle theft turns out to be Bardstown High School's principal...who told investigators he was trying to buy some Pappy, not sell it. ]]>27:09nocanada,scotland,banff,scotch,whisky,bowmoreWhiskyCast Episode 449: October 26, 2013Sun, 27 Oct 2013 01:35:59 +0000Ireland's Kilbeggan Distillery is said to be the world's oldest whiskey distillery, and it's now being run by what may well be one of the youngest head distillers. Andrina Fitzgerald grew up a few miles from Kilbeggan, and was promoted to head distiller shortly after Beam acquired Kilbeggan as part of the Cooley Whiskey deal. We'll hear from this rising star in the whiskey business on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the latest from Kentucky on the Pappy van Winkle theft, along with an update on the Teeling family's plans for a new distillery in Dublin. This week's tasting notes include the "hottest" whisky in the world right now, this year's Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20-year-old Bourbon.]]>34:54noirish,whiskey,whisky,ireland,kilbeggan,pappyWhiskyCast Episode 448: October 19, 2013Sun, 20 Oct 2013 03:59:10 +0000The most secure jobs in the whisky business may be the coppersmiths at Forsyth's of Rothes in Scotland, since almost all of the major distillery construction projects underway worldwide are buying their stills from Forsyth's. We got word of two more new distilleries this week...the Morrison family's Glasgow Whisky Distillery to be built on the Queen's Dock along the River Clyde and Bernard Walsh's new distillery in County Carlow, Ireland. Tim Morrison and Bernard Walsh join us to discuss their plans on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the search is on for the "Pappy Pilferer", two whisky auctions this week raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities, and if you're feeling a cold coming on, this week's tasting notes may have just the answer.]]>33:23nodistillery,glasgow,whiskey,whisky,ireland,pappyWhiskyCast Episode 447: October 12, 2013Sun, 13 Oct 2013 01:06:45 +0000With 28 malt whisky distilleries and two grain whisky distilleries in Scotland, Diageo almost always has something going on. Dr. Nick Morgan is head of whisky outreach for the world's largest whisky producer, and we sat down in New York City this week with drams of Talisker Storm to discuss the malt's U.S. debut, this year's special releases, and more for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth segment. In the news, plans for another malt distillery in Scotland are getting clearer, Arran releases its Millennium Casks, and WhistlePig unleashes The Boss Hog. We'll also hear WhiskyCast listeners venting their frustrations (and singing their praises) in this week's Your Voice.]]>39:48noscotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 446: October 5, 2013Sun, 06 Oct 2013 04:06:38 +0000Baker Beam comes from one of Kentucky's legendary Bourbon families. However, the grand-nephew of Jim Beam and cousin to Booker Noe, Fred Noe, and Parker Beam doesn't often get the spotlight. If his name sounds familiar, it's because he's the namesake for Baker's Bourbon from Beam's Small Batch Collection, and that makes him one of the few living distillers with a Bourbon that bears his name. He'll share his history in distilling and memories of working with Booker Noe on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the U.S. government shutdown is affecting whisky makers, but plenty of new whiskies beat Washington's budget clock in time to hit the market this week.]]>35:35nokentucky,bourbon,distillery,beam,whiskey,bakersWhiskyCast Episode 445: September 29, 2013Sun, 29 Sep 2013 14:55:58 +0000This week's WhiskyCast comes from Forty Creek Distillery's annual Whisky Weekend in Grimsby, Ontario. Forty Creek's John Hall makes his whisky differently from any other distiller, and we'll deconstruct Forty Creek Barrel Select on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth during a Whisky Weekend tasting session with John, Davin de Kergommeaux, and Johanne McInnis. In the news, a WhiskyCast exclusive -- Diageo's supply of whiskey for Bulleit Bourbon from Four Roses will be cut off next spring, and that could force Diageo to make a decision on the future of the long-closed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville.]]>40:21nocanadian,canada,ontario,creek,whiskey,whisky,fortyWhiskyCast Episode 444: September 22, 2013Mon, 23 Sep 2013 02:36:52 +0000In the second of two episodes from this weekend's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, we'll hear from the newest members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Fred Noe is the 7th generation member of the Beam family at Jim Beam, and Tom Blincoe's Buzick Construction has been responsible for most of the state's major distillery construction projects over the last several decades. In the news, Whisky Magazine announces the winners of this year's U.S. Icons of Whisky Awards, Jimmy Russell explains just what happened when his team made a mistake that led to Wild Turkey's new Forgiven, and Mike Veach tells us about the Filson Historical Society's Bourbon Challenge next month.]]>39:46nokentucky,bourbon,distillery,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 443: September 21, 2013Sat, 21 Sep 2013 23:05:59 +0000Parker Beam surprised everyone the other night at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. He wasn't expected to attend the Kentucky Distillers Association's All-Star Sampler event with master distillers from all of the KDA member distilleries, but he came and spent the entire evening signing bottles and meeting Bourbon lovers. We'll hear from Parker about his battle with ALS on the first of this weekend's two episodes from the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.]]>30:29nokentucky,bourbon,beam,als,parker,bardstownWhiskyCast Episode 442: September 15, 2013Mon, 16 Sep 2013 04:06:00 +0000Ger Buckley is the fifth-generation cooper at Ireland's Midleton Distillery, but had no one to pass the torch to. In fact, there hadn't been an apprentice cooper at any Irish distillery for nearly four decades...but Ger was able to convince Irish Distillers that the tradition needed to be kept alive for another generation. 21-year-old Killian O'Mahony has just signed on for a four-year apprenticeship...he and Ger join us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, we pay tribute to the late Lincoln Henderson, Buffalo Trace plans to keep honoring the late Elmer T. Lee, and the latest on this year's Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This week's tasting notes include Wild Turkey's new Forgiven...an accidental blend of Rye and Bourbon. ]]>34:27noirish,whiskey,ireland,midleton,cooperage,casksWhiskyCast Episode 441: September 7, 2013Sat, 07 Sep 2013 19:47:19 +0000There was a changing of the guard at Ireland's Midleton Distillery this week, in addition to the housewarming party for Midleton's massive distillery expansion. Brian Nation officially replaced Barry Crockett as Master Distiller for Ireland's largest distillery, and it's the first time in almost 70 years that a Crockett family member won't be at the distillery. We'll meet the man charged with carrying on the legacy of names like Jameson, Power, and Crockett on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and get the details on the distillery expansion in our news update. There's also word on this year's special releases from Diageo, and Fred Laing tells us about the new Douglas Laing's Old Particular range of single cask bottlings. In this week's tasting notes, there's a little-known Irish whiskey from Midleton, Glen Grant's Five Decades single malt honoring longtime Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm, and a new Dalmore bottling from Single Cask Nation.]]>38:52nojameson,irish,whiskey,whisky,ireland,midletonWhiskyCast Episode 440: August 31, 2013Sat, 31 Aug 2013 21:06:42 +0000Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbons may well be some of the hardest whiskies to find, and hundreds of people call the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery office in Louisville every year begging to get just one bottle. Celebrities, ordinary people with a special occasion, and the most ardent Bourbon lovers all get the same answer from Preston Van Winkle and his father, Julian Van Winkle III: "We can't help you, now, but if you check with your local retailer in October, they might be able to find you a bottle." Preston Van Winkle joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss "Pappy-Mania" -- and he'll tell us why this year's 23-year-old Pappy may well be the last of its kind. Ryan Maloney of Julio's Liquors in Massachusetts explains why he and his colleagues have to resort to lotteries to allocate their few bottles of Pappy each year, and Benjamin Lee will tell us about his quest to explore all 59 U.S. national parks (and a few distilleries) by motorcycle.]]>44:11nokentucky,bourbon,van,whiskey,winkle,pappyWhiskyCast Episode 439: August 25, 2013Sun, 25 Aug 2013 06:37:00 +0000When Kentucky was still a wilderness in Colonial days, Pennsylvania was a hotbed of whiskey distilling. Back then, the Keystone State was known for its rye whiskies. Over the last several decades, though, Pennsylvania's distilling industry dried up and withered away. Herman Mihalich and John Cooper are trying to revive the tradition with their Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, producing it themselves at a converted wool mill in the Philadelphia suburb of Bristol. We'll hear their story on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Jack Daniel's is expanding, John Teeling's been pulled back into the Irish Whiskey business, the new Parker's Heritage Collection Bourbon has a mission of raising funding -- and awareness -- for ALS research, and this week's tasting notes include one of whisky's Holy Grails, the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-year-old Bourbon.]]>27:58nokentucky,bourbon,pennsylvania,rye,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 438: August 18, 2013Sun, 18 Aug 2013 19:11:00 +0000Utah's High West Distillery & Saloon crams a craft distillery and high-end restaurant into two historic buildings in the ski resort's downtown area. James Dumas, a James Beard Award-nominated chef and partner in High West, takes us on a tour of the distillery for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and it's often hard to tell where the distillery begins and the restaurant ends. Dumas didn't learn to appreciate what whisky offers until he started working with High West founder David Perkins, but now, he's a complete convert, as he showed us during the tour.

In the news, Tomatin takes top honors at the Whisky Fringe for the second year in a row. We'll also have the latest on new whiskies from Tullamore Dew, Single Cask Nation, and a new series of Jameson bottlings...along with a reason to skip the duty-free shop if you're flying on Ryanair.

]]>45:06nopark,high,city,west,distillery,whiskey,whisky,utahWhiskyCast Episode 437: August 12, 2013Tue, 13 Aug 2013 02:50:49 +0000Last December, Wyoming Whiskey made its debut with thousands of whiskey lovers descending on the tiny town of Kirby, Wyoming. Kirby's quiet again, but the state's namesake Bourbon is still selling as fast as the distillery can produce it. This week, we'll catch up with Wyoming Whiskey co-founder David DeFazio and talk with the guys from Bin 21 in Jackson Hole about the demand for this unique whiskey. In the news, plenty of new Bourbons are coming from Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, and Old Forester. We'll also visit with Bob and Barbara Townsend of the Miner's Delight Inn in Atlantic City, Wyoming. Would you believe some people think they're on the Jersey Shore instead of high in the Rockies?]]>33:46noscotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,wyomingWhiskyCast Episode 436: August 3, 2013Sat, 03 Aug 2013 02:00:24 +0000Keith Batt never dreamed of distilling whisky when he and his family bought the Nant Estate in Tasmania, but the farm had lots of barley and lots of water, along with a 120-year-old grist mill. Now, the Nant Distillery is celebrating its fifth anniversary, getting rave reviews for its whiskies, and Keith's 10-year-old son is already asking questions about the business. Keith joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo's profits are up and the world's largest whisky maker is looking for more acquisitions, a legendary Chicago whisky bar is getting its own Compass Box whisky and sharing it with the world, and we'll get the latest on new whiskies from around the world.]]>38:31nodistillery,australia,tasmania,whisky,whiskycast,nantWhiskyCast Episode 435: July 27, 2013Sun, 28 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000Ask a Scot about Ben Nevis, and you're more likely to hear about the highest peak in Scotland than the whisky of the same name. However, the Ben Nevis Distillery in Fort William is making a name of its own these days, with a 15-year-old single cask bottling that just won Best Single Malt Scotch 15 Years and Under in the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Longtime Ben Nevis manager Colin Ross joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth to share his team's triumph and some history...including a dramming session years ago at Lagavulin that wiped out a historic sample of Malt Mill single malt. In the news, there's word of a deal between Diageo and Louisville air quality regulators over complaints about fungus from the angel's share at one of its maturation warehouses, and UK competition regulators have confirmed they're looking into Diageo's acquisition of United Spirits and its Whyte & Mackay unit in Scotland.]]>47:51noben,scotland,louisville,scotch,whisky,nevis,diageoWhiskyCast Episode 434: July 20, 2013Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:16:09 +0000The whisky world lost one of the legends this week with the passing of Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Emeritus Elmer T. Lee. Not only was he responsible for making Single Barrel Bourbons popular when he came up with the idea for Blanton's, but two years later, he had a Single Barrel Bourbon named after him following his retirement in 1985. Elmer kept selecting the barrels for his bourbon right up until shortly before his death, and his whiskey is as good as the man himself. We'll remember Elmer T. Lee on this week's episode, with a look back at his life and legacy. In the news, Kentucky's distillers join forces to help Parker Beam raise money for ALS research, Balcones breaks ground on a new distillery in Waco, Texas, and the latest on nearly two dozen single cask Scotch whiskies released this week.]]>38:46nokentucky,tribute,lee,bourbon,t,whiskey,whisky,elmerWhiskyCast Episode 433: July 13, 2013Sun, 14 Jul 2013 03:40:18 +0000What goes into reviving a distillery that's been closed for 14 years? That was the question from WhiskyCast listener Scott Mansfield after Chivas Brothers reopened Glen Keith Distillery in Scotland last month, and we put it to Alan Winchester of Chivas Brothers for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo plans to meet with UK regulators over the future of Whyte & Mackay after its purchase of India's United Spirits, new distilleries are coming to Louisville and Ireland, and our tasting panel from this month's WhiskyCast Virtual Tastings shares their thoughts on Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon.]]>30:16nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 432: July 6, 2013Sun, 07 Jul 2013 01:33:53 +0000Duncan Taylor's Euan Shand is in the middle of what he calls the company's busiest year in its 75-year history. He's just started work on the distillery he's wanted to build in Huntly for several years, is in the middle of turning an old supermarket into a new bottling hall and gift shop, entering the furniture business, and sponsoring a race car with plans for next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. We'll catch up with Euan on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo completes its acquisition of India's United Spirits, Edrington and Isle of Arran report profits, while Arran's also releasing a devilish new whisky as well.]]>35:31noscotland,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,huntlyWhiskyCast Episode 431: June 29, 2013Sat, 29 Jun 2013 16:09:30 +0000Women are changing whisky history every day as distillery managers, master blenders, and some entrepreneurs are even creating their own brands. Earlier this month, we heard about the history of women in whisky from author Fred Minnick, and this week, we'll hear from two women who want to help write the next chapter in that history. Carin Luna-Ostaseski will launch her new SIA blended Scotch in San Francisco in the next several weeks, and used the power of the whisky community to help realize her dream. Allison Patel was searching for world whiskies to bring home to the US when she discovered a Cognac producer in France who was making whisky for himself and his friends, and launched Brenne in New York last autumn. In the news, Woodford Reserve will get a $35 million expansion, Alberta's Highwood Distillers is still closed after last week's flooding, and Beam's Fred Noe explains how it's legal to add flavors to Bourbon to create the new Knob Creek Smoked Maple.]]>38:06noWhiskyCast Episode 430: June 23, 2013Sun, 23 Jun 2013 03:20:19 +0000Here's a challenge: Pick the whiskies for a wedding party, with an emphasis on quality over quantity, and you're spending a lot of someone else's money. Which whiskies do you pick, and where do you start? Rich Howard's been facing that task for a wedding this coming week in Minnesota, and the Malt Maniac joins us to talk about his choices on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Duncan Taylor's long-planned distillery in Huntly is finally under construction as the Scottish Government comes up with economic development funds for several other distillery projects, honours for the founder of the Keepers of the Quaich, and much more!]]>38:31noparty,wedding,scotland,scotch,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 429: June 16, 2013Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:54:31 +0000When Beam acquired Ireland's Cooley Whiskey at the end of 2011, Cooley Managing Director Jack Teeling had the chance to stay on at the company his father founded in 1987. However, the idea of being a small fish in a big corporate ocean didn't appeal to him, and he decided to start his own company. This week, the Teeling Whiskey Company released the first of a new Vintage Reserve series of Irish single malts, and Jack Teeling hopes to have Dublin's first working distillery in nearly 40 years open by the end of 2014. We'll hear more from Jack on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Glen Keith is out of mothballs and back in business, Speyside's smallest distillery will get a big boost in production, and F. Paul Pacult answers the question "How do you pick between two excellent whiskies for the Best Spirit in the World title?"]]>34:26nogillespie,irish,whiskey,ireland,dublin,teelingWhiskyCast Episode 428: June 8, 2013Sun, 09 Jun 2013 04:54:52 +0000Joshua Hatton and Jason Johnston-Yellin started out as whisky bloggers, and are now bottling their own whiskies for a unique audience. Single Cask Nation and the Jewish Whisky Company are on the leading edge of a growing trend in the whisky business...targeting the unique and growing niche market of Jewish whisky lovers. While there's no clear consensus on what makes a whisky kosher, Single Cask Nation is bottling both kosher and non-kosher whiskies and letting each person make their own choice. In the news, a tanker truck full of whisky crashes and catches fire in New Jersey, The Glenlivet discloses the details of Alpha, and George Washington's Whiskey is now being made in New York as well as Virginia.]]>51:11nojewish,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,kosherWhiskyCast Episode 427: June 1, 2013Sat, 01 Jun 2013 04:37:51 +0000Stories are what give whisky its unique place in the drinks world, and this week, we'll hear from two authors of new books on the stories and history of whisky. Gavin Smith's "Stillhouse Stories & Tunroom Tales" shares the stories of current and retired whisky makers in Scotland, while Fred Minnick looks at the history of women in whisky in his new book "Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of how Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, & Irish Whiskey". In the news, The Famous Grouse tests flavored versions in Sweden, The Tweeddale Blend arrives in Canada, Kentucky officials approve tax incentives for two distillery projects, and UK regulators are said to be weighing in on Diageo's acquisition of India's United Spirits.]]>50:21nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 426: May 25, 2013Sun, 26 May 2013 03:37:26 +0000The annual Islay Festival of Malt & Music gets underway this weekend, and they'll be celebrating more than just whisky on Islay this week. Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan, a native Ileach, is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the whisky business this week, and scotched the rumors that he might announce his retirement during the Feis in this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth interview. He'll also share some of his memories, as well as a life lesson his own mentor taught him many years ago when he was an apprentice cooper at Bowmore. In the news, Buffalo Trace is warning of a Bourbon shortage, we'll check on new whiskies from anCnoc, The Glenrothes, and a couple of Islay Festival bottlings, and honor another 50-year whisky veteran who's retiring this week.]]>46:11noscotland,scotch,mcewan,whisky,islay,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 425: May 19, 2013Sun, 19 May 2013 04:55:16 +0000Gordon & MacPhail has released thousands of single cask bottlings over the years, including the two oldest whiskies ever bottled: 70-year-old casks of Mortlach and Glenlivet single malts. Now, the family-owned company is reviving its "Rare Old" series of single malts with a series of new releases. Many of those new releases are from distilleries that closed 30 years ago this year during one of the industry's biggest cutbacks in distilling capacity. We'll discuss those distilleries and whether a new "whisky loch" is filling up with Gordon & MacPhail's Michael Urquhart in this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, another Indian distillery expands its single malt lineup, Miltonduff Distillery gets a turn in the spotlight, and more new distilleries are coming to Northern Ireland. This week's tasting notes include Ardbeg's new Ardbog, The Glenlivet's new Alpha single malt, and Forty Creek's upcoming Heart of Gold Canadian whisky.]]>22:41noscotland,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 424: May 12, 2013Mon, 13 May 2013 21:15:38 +0000One of the fun things about WhiskyCast has been the opportunity to watch dreams come true, and that's the case with this week's episode. Back in 2006, we first met Barry Stein and Barry Bernstein as they were just getting started as Canada's first independent Scotch whisky bottlers and dreamed of making their own whisky. in 2009, they opened Still Waters Distillery in a Toronto suburb, and on April 27, the first cask of their Stalk & Barrel single malt whisky went on sale. This weekend, they were pouring it at the Spirit of Toronto festival, and we'll catch up with the guys on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo's shaking up the executive suite, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail gets a new stop on Louisville's Whiskey Row, and we'll hear about new whiskies from Mackmyra, Jura, Corby, and Masterson's.]]>37:56notoronto,canada,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 423: May 4, 2013Sat, 04 May 2013 23:19:14 +0000Family-owned businesses often face obstacles that other companies don't, and the whisky business is no exception. This week, Fred and Stewart Laing dissolved their 40+ year partnership in Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co., with Stewart taking his half of the business to form his own company with his sons. Meanwhile, Fred has brought his daughter Cara into what remains of Douglas Laing, and both brothers are already working on new whisky ideas. We'll hear from both brothers on their views of the split and their plans for the future. In the news, Kentucky's Bourbon distillers had their busiest year in nearly four decades during 2012, Heaven Hill's partners are signing on to help support Parker Beam's Promise of Hope fund for ALS research, and the Maker's Mark controversy pays off for Beam.]]>47:26nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whisky,laingWhiskyCast Episode 422: April 28, 2013Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:23:44 +0000When Ireland's distillers joined forces in 1966 to merge their struggling distilleries into one company, they placed their bet on Jameson as their principal export brand. Powers became the leading whiskey in Ireland, with limited exports to the U.S. and other key markets. The bet paid off, and Jameson became the world's best-selling Irish whiskey. Now, Irish Distillers is giving the world a taste of the pot still whiskey John Ryan's family created seven generations ago. He's been in the U.S. for a series of Powers tastings, and joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, a gutsy thief steals a $26,000 bottle of whisky in Toronto, Kentucky's getting ready for Derby Week, and Amrut's greedy angels are on the loose.]]>44:21nojameson,powers,irish,whiskey,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 421: April 20, 2013Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:43:11 +0000The English Whisky Company has been distilling since 2006, and while it may not be able to claim the title of "England's only whisky distillery" for much longer, it'll be able to call itself "England's oldest whisky distillery". Andrew Nelstrop's been touring the U.S. to introduce his family's whiskies for the first time in the colonies, and joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, South Africa's Distell Group has bought Burn Stewart Distillers, Chivas Brothers clears a hurdle to building a new distillery in Speyside, and we'll have the weekly update on new whiskies.]]>42:16nokentucky,england,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 420: April 14, 2013Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:33:37 +0000When Magnus Eunson set up his illegal still on Orkney in 1798, the gaugers in the village of Kirkwall were a safe distance away. Graham Manson manages Highland Park now, and Kirkwall has grown up around the distillery. We'll hear from Graham on WhiskyCast In-Depth, and get some historical perspective from retired Highland Park and Scapa worker Davie Reid. In the news, U.S. craft distillers have broken away from the American Distilling Institute to set up their own organization, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society expands to India, and Chicago's getting ready for Whisky Week.]]>46:01noscotland,scotch,highland,whisky,orkneyWhiskyCast Episode 419: April 6, 2013Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:10:59 +0000Scotch Whisky exports account for 80% of all Scottish food and drink exports each year, along with about 25% of all UK food and drink exports. The Scotch Whisky Association released its final 2012 export report this week, with little to no gain from 2011. SWA Chief Executive Gavin Hewitt discusses the export data and other key issues facing the industry on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo’s Nick Morgan outlines the company’s plans for a massive expansion of distilling capacity in Scotland, Beam North American President Bill Newlands discusses the Maker’s Mark controversy, and we’ll get sneak previews of this year’s Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon from Jim Rutledge and the new Wild Turkey visitors center from Jimmy Russell. ]]>42:16noWhiskyCast Episode 418: March 30, 2013Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:59:17 +0000Cutty Sark is marking two anniversaries within a week or so: the brand's 90's anniversary on March 23 and the third anniversary of its acquisition by the Edrington Group April 1. It's a legendary brand that lost its way in recent years, but recorded its first annual increase in sales during 2012 after years of declining sales. Edrington's first move three years ago was to put Jason Craig in charge of turning the ship around, and he joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, we'll have plenty of new releases to talk about from Arran, Balblair, Four Roses, Kilchoman, and more...including a very special Bruichladdich single cask with a lot of sentimental value for former managing director Mark Reynier. This week's tasting notes include a special limited edition Cutty Sark, a single malt from Germany, and a Kentucky classic.]]>27:11noscotland,scotch,cutty,sark,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 417: March 23, 2013Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:50:00 +0000This week's episode required 35 hours of flying and 17,000 miles of round-trip travel, but it was well worth it to visit Amrut's distillery in Bangalore, India. We'll catch up with Amrut's Rick Jagdale to discuss a series of new Amrut single malts, including one that pays tribute to the excessively greedy angels in Amrut's warehouses, and Rick will answer some of your questions about Amrut as well. In the news, Billy Walker's investment team has added Glenglassaugh Distillery to their portfolio that already includes BenRiach and GlenDronach, Whisky Magazine announces this year's winners of the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky Awards, more whiskies receive honors in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and it'll cost more for a dram of Scotch in Scotland after a UK tax increase.]]>47:46noscotland,india,whiskey,whisky,amrutWhiskyCast Episode 416: March 16, 2013Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:32:53 +0000This week's episode comes from Frankfurt, Germany...during a layover on my trip to visit the Amrut Distillery in Bangalore, India. However, we're focusing on a rare breed of whisky this week...the Peated American Single Malt. There are very few examples of this rare breed, one being Leviathan from Lost Spirits Distillery on California's Monterey Peninsula. Bryan Davis of Lost Spirits explains his reasons for producing a highly-peated single malt in this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Dewar's enters the flavored whisky market, Highland Park unleashes the shape-shifting Loki on the whisky world, and Scottish officials consider reviving the old Dallas Dhu Distillery in Speyside as a working distillery as well as a museum.]]>32:21nocalifornia,whiskey,whisky,leviathan,peatedWhiskyCast Episode 415: March 10, 2013Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:57:30 +0000Buffalo Trace's Single Oak Project is at the halfway point, with 96 of the 192 single cask bottlings released and the remainder to be parceled out every three months for the next two years. We'll get a progress report from Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth, and get some hints about a possible new release from the distillery in the near future. In the news, there's word on a bunch of new whiskies from Heaven Hill, Jefferson's, Michter's, Johnnie Walker, Corby, and Ranger Creek...Ichiro Akuto has a U.S. distribution deal for his Japanese single malts, and Bourbon Hall of Fame member Mike Veach's new book on the history of Bourbon is now available.]]>29:36nokentucky,bourbon,buffalo,trace,wheatley,harlenWhiskyCast Episode 414: March 2, 2013Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:27:04 +0000Whisky has historically been thought of as a “man’s drink”, but thankfully, that’s changing. Not only are more women drinking whisky now than ever, more women are making it as well. Victoria MacRae-Samuels is Vice President of Operations at Maker’s Mark, and she’s the first woman to run one of Kentucky’s major distilleries since Prohibition. She discusses her 24 years in the whisky business and the growing diversity within the industry on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, an accident sends Chivas Brothers whisky down the drain, Glenmorangie kicks off its Cask Masters project, we’ll discuss the new Bulleit 10-year-old Bourbon with Hollis Bulleit, and get a preview of this month’s Bourbon Classic in Louisville.]]>51:51nomark,kentucky,bourbon,makers,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 413: February 24, 2013Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:40:00 +0000Chip Tate of Balcones Distillery in Texas is winning even more awards for his whiskies, with two gold medals in the inaugural Spirits of the Americas competition. One was for his Texas Single Malt, and the other for a whiskey that Chip used to say he'd never make. He'll tell us about it on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the latest on the Maker's Mark controversy, along with your comments on Maker's in our new "Your Voice" segment. We'll also have the latest on new whiskies from Angel's Envy and Highland Park, Tuthilltown's recovery from a fire last autumn, and a tour of the new WhiskyCast.com!]]>35:41nomark,makers,whiskycast,julios,balconesWhiskyCast Episode 412: February 16, 2013Sat, 16 Feb 2013 21:42:59 +0000So, you have an iconic brand, but not enough supply to meet growing global demand...so you make one change in the product to increase supply, and all hell breaks loose! That's the situation Rob Samuels of Maker's Mark found himself in this week after announcing that the Bourbon his family has produced for more than 50 years would be lowered from 45% ABV to 42%. With media outlets from all over the world calling him for interviews, Rob sat down to talk with us this week about the reasons for the change, and why most people shouldn't notice any difference. In the news, we mourn the passing of Truman Cox, get the first word on an all-new Bourbon from Jim Beam, and discover a new use for whisky glasses.]]>43:16nomark,kentucky,bourbon,makers,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 411: February 9, 2013Sun, 10 Feb 2013 01:47:07 +0000It's been a big week for Barry Crockett. Midleton Distillery's Master Distiller was named this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner by The Whisky Advocate, and just a couple of days later, announced his plans to retire next month after 47 years at Midleton. We'll catch up with Barry on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Maker's Mark makes the first major change in its whisky in five decades to meet demand, the Distilled Spirits Council releases 2012 economic data on whisky sales, and there are new whiskies ranging from a case full of Bourbons to single casks.]]>43:11nobarry,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,crockettWhiskyCast Episode 410: February 2, 2013Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:43:00 +0000It's hard to keep things quiet in the close-knit Scotch Whisky industry, but that's exactly what the owners of the new Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso managed to do until construction began last fall. The distillery went into production this week when manager Shane Fraser hammered in the bung on the first barrel of Wolfburn, which has a history that dates back to 1821. Shane joins us for this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. We'll have sad news from Heaven Hill as Parker Beam is diagnosed with ALS, and word of new whiskies from An Cnoc, Master of Malt, and The Balvenie.]]>33:31nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,wolfburnWhiskyCast Episode 409: January 26, 2013Sat, 26 Jan 2013 05:40:25 +0000Georgina Bell is part of a new generation of whisky connoisseurs, and is already making her place in the whisky industry as an ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. She'll explain how one goes from studying whisky in college to traveling the world promoting it two and a half years later during WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, there's word that the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville may be reopening after 22 years in mothballs, another proposed Scotch distillery gets government assistance, and there are new whiskies from Glenfiddich and The Balvenie.]]>30:01nokentucky,scotland,louisville,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 408: January 20, 2013Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:46:00 +0000Time for our second episode of the weekend with highlights from this weekend's Victoria Whisky Festival! We'll get the latest on new whiskies from Tullibardine, Springbank, and Duncan Taylor, along with word on expansion plans for Benromach and a new program for Scotch Malt Whisky Society members in the U.S. In the news, Shackleton's whisky has been returned to Antarctica for reburial in the ice at Cape Royds, and we'll answer a listener question about the two types of mash tuns in use at most distilleries.]]>34:06nocanada,british,festival,victoria,columbia,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 407: January 18, 2013Sat, 19 Jan 2013 08:31:00 +0000It's time for one of the world's top whisky festivals...the Victoria Whisky Festival in British Columbia. The festival kicked off with the presentation of the annual Canadian Whisky Awards, and we'll hear from founder Davin de Kergommeaux and the distiller behind the 2012 Canadian Whisky of the Year, Forty Creek's John Hall. We'll also get an update on the progress of British Columbia's largest whisky distillery from Shelter Point owner Patrick Evans, and update the week's news in the first of two episodes from Victoria this weekend!]]>34:34nocanadian,canada,festival,victoria,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 406: January 12, 2013Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:18:00 +0000Dreamers abound in the whisky business. In the case of the Kingsbarns Distillery project planned near St. Andrews in Scotland, two dreamers had to join forces to achieve their goal. Doug Clement had everything needed to make Kingsbarns work...except money. William Wemyss wanted to build a distillery in the area where his family has lived for centuries. Now, Wemyss Malts has acquired Kingsbarns, and Doug Clement might just wind up as the distillery manager when it opens in 2014. In the news, Indian regulators are raising issues with Diageo's acquisition of United Spirits, whiskies, designer, and celebrity chefs join forces, and a Detroit bartender wins Woodford Reserve's annual Manhattan cocktail competition.]]>35:46noscotland,woodford,reserve,whiskey,whisky,kingsbarns,wemyssWhiskyCast Episode 405: January 5, 2013Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:32:27 +0000Most of us spend a lifetime working in the shadows, wondering if anyone notices. Then, one day, a letter comes in the mail with news that you're being honored for that work. Douglas Campbell of Tomatin got a letter like that, with news that he's being honored by Queen Elizabeth as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. The honor's not only for his work at Tomatin, but his work in the community of Tomatin as well. Douglas tells us what it was like to open that letter on this week's episode.]]>29:21noscotland,distillery,whiskey,whisky,tomatinWhiskyCast Episode 404: December 28, 2012Sat, 29 Dec 2012 02:46:39 +0000There are plenty of ideas for entrepreneurs seeking a place in the world of whisky, but as always, getting the funding is the hard part. This week, we'll hear about some entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of the Web to raise money for their projects using Kickstarter.com. It's a light week news-wide because of the holidays, but there's word that Shackleton's whisky is about to be returned to Antarctica, Penderyn's planning an expansion, and a new report on Scotch Whisky's economic impact.]]>36:31noentrepreneur,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,kickstarterWhiskyCast Episode 403: December 22, 2012Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:21:04 +0000Bruichladdich's $90 million acquisition by Remy Cointreau was one of the biggest whisky stories of the year, and CEO Simon Coughlin joins us for this week's "In-Depth" segment to discuss what's changed...and what hasn't since the deal. In the news, Maker's Mark faces a controversy over allegations of discrimination at a downtown Louisville lounge that licenses the Maker's Mark name, Bulleit unveils a new 10-year-old Bourbon in Kansas, Suntory's ready to go shopping, and Scotland's Isle of Harris will be getting its first legal whisky distillery.]]>54:11noscotland,distillery,whiskey,whisky,islay,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 402: December 15, 2012Sat, 15 Dec 2012 05:47:45 +0000John McDougall's years of experience as a distillery manager in all five of Scotland's whisky regions have made him a sought-after consultant for new distilleries. His latest project is the Dingle Distillery in Ireland, which started producing its first spirit this month. We'll catch up with John for the first time in a few years to learn more about Dingle, along with his line of single-cask bottlings and his upcoming US tour with the Wild Scotsman, Jeffrey Topping. In the news, the list of potential suitors for Beam gets even longer and more complicated, Springbank spins Glengyle off, and the final bottle of Glenfiddich's 55-year-old Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve malt goes on the auction block.]]>39:46noscotland,distillery,whiskey,whisky,ireland,dingleWhiskyCast Episode 401: December 8, 2012Sun, 09 Dec 2012 04:38:52 +0000For the 10th year, the Malt Maniacs are honoring some of the world's best whiskies with the Malt Maniacs Awards. Maniacs Keith Wood of Germany and Krishna Nukala of India join us to discuss this year's competition, which was dominated once again by GlenDronach with three gold medals. In the news, new whiskies from Evan Williams, Aberfeldy, and Kavalan...Johnnie Walker expands in China and brings the House of Walker back to New York City...and an update on last weekend's Hurricane Sandy benefit whisky auction and tasting.]]>57:16nodrinks,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 400: December 1, 2012Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:55:31 +0000We're marking one milestone with another...this week's episode was recorded on location in Kirby, Wyoming, the home of Wyoming's first legal whiskey since Prohibition. Wyoming Whiskey made its official debut today at the distillery in Kirby, and the little town of 92 people was swarmed with around 4,000 whiskey lovers from as far away as Australia for the launch party. In the news, whisky events postponed by Hurricane Sandy return to the East Coast, Laphroaig tries to balance supply with demand, and Lidl fires back in its whisky war with discount competitor Aldi.]]>45:44nobourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,wyoming,laphroaigWhiskyCast Episode 399: November 24, 2012Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:57:29 +0000Most whisky lovers dream of making their own whiskies, but that's easier said than done, since building a distillery takes a lot of time and even more money. But...what if you could rent time at a craft distillery, complete with consultants and professionals to help you? The Distilled Spirits Epicenter in Louisville is just that place, and we'll talk about the possibilities with Colleen Rice on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, New York whisky lovers are hoping to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, Angel's Envy goes cask-strength, new whiskies from Douglas Laing, Arran, and Aldi...yes, Aldi.]]>47:16nokentucky,louisville,distillery,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 398: November 17, 2012Sat, 17 Nov 2012 06:17:44 +0000Edwin Foote started his distilling career in the old Henry McKenna Distillery, and wound up as the Master Distiller at the legendary Stitzel-Weller and Old Fitzgerald Distillery in Louisville. This Bourbon Hall of Famer sits down with us for WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss his career and how the whiskey business has changed over the years...both good and bad. In the news, an updates on the Balblair 1969 and other new whiskies, water bottled specially to be mixed with whisky, and more!]]>56:16nolouisville,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 397: November 10, 2012Sun, 11 Nov 2012 04:26:54 +0000Kentucky is synonymous with Bourbon, but few places maintain the history of Bourbon in the Bluegrass State like the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown. Mary Ellyn Hamilton is the museum's curator, and tells us about the collection's early days in the mansion of Barton Brands founder Oscar Getz to its current home in Bardstown's Spalding Hall. In the news, Diageo agrees to take a majority stake in India's United Spirits, Beam expands its presence in Louisville, and I'll explain why this week's episode comes from Thermopolis, Wyoming.]]>40:36noWhiskyCast Episode 396: November 3, 2012Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:39:50 +0000This week, we promise a politics-free episode! We'll look at the history and future of India's Amrut Distillery with third-generation Amrut executive director Rick Jagdale and learn how graduate school helped bring Amrut to the world. In the news, Hurricane Sandy had an impact on the whisky community, trapping a number of distillery representatives in New York as their post-WhiskyFest flights were cancelled. We'll also get an update on the latest Bonhams auction in New York, and in non-hurricane news, word of new whiskies from Glenmorangie, Balblair, Buffalo Trace, and more!]]>52:01nonew,york,india,bourbon,hurricane,scotch,whiskey,whisky,amrutWhiskyCast Episode 395: October 27, 2012Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:43:44 +0000Lots to talk about this week, with new whiskies and a new version of a very old whisky. Whyte & Mackay is producing a new release of MacKinlay's to help raise money for the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, which maintains the historic sites from Sir Ernest Shackleton's expeditions to Antarctica. In the news, Nikka whiskies are on their way to the US, Woodford Reserve unveils this year's Masters Collection Bourbon, and we'll get an update on Wiser's plans to increase its profile worldwide. Dr. Nick Morgan of Diageo joins us for WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss distillery expansions, this year's Special Releases from the Classic Malts, and the global impact of Blended Scotches.]]>53:01noscotland,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 394: October 20, 2012Sun, 21 Oct 2012 07:05:29 +0000The pre-holiday rush of new whiskies is in full swing, and we'll sit down with Iain MacCallum of Morrison Bowmore to taste and talk about new single malts from Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch. In the news, Gable Erenzo of Tuthilltown Distillery updates us on repairs following last month's fire, Alyssa Henley of George Dickel explains the new Dickel Rye, and the latest on distillery expansions in Scotland.]]>37:51noscotland,distillery,single,scotch,whiskey,whisky,maltWhiskyCast Episode 393: October 13, 2012Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:14:15 +0000Italians are known for their wine, but one Italian firm helped pioneer the concept of single cask whiskies. Silvano Samaroli started bottling his own casks in 1968, and while his bottlings are hard to find, they're well worth the extra effort. Samaroli's Francesco Binetti explains the company's unique philosophy in this week's episode, and I'll have tasting notes for some of the Samaroli whiskies. In the news, we'll get updates on recent whisky auctions, George Dickel jumps on the Rye bandwagon, and the 2010 Water of Life Drive brings clean water to two Ethiopian villages!]]>27:51noscotland,distillery,scotch,whisky,samaroliWhiskyCast Episode 392: October 6, 2012Sat, 06 Oct 2012 04:12:50 +0000Jack Daniel's has operated with one simple whiskey recipe for 100 years...until now. The distillery started quietly working on a rye whiskey recipe a couple of years ago, and has now unveiled what's being called "Jack Daniel's Unaged Rye." Master Distiller Jeff Arnett explains how his new whiskey fits into the Jack Daniel's tradition, and why an unaged spirit is being released years before a fully mature version will be available. We'll also have highlights from the Glenfiddich 125th Anniversary Party in Dallas this week, the latest on Scotch whisky exports, and reaction to last week's interview with "Midwest Whisky Olympics" organizer Greg Ramsay.]]>39:46nojack,scotland,tennessee,daniels,whiskey,whisky,glenfiddichWhiskyCast Episode 391: September 29, 2012Sat, 29 Sep 2012 03:44:00 +0000This week's episode looks at a controversial whisky tasting/competition recently held in Michigan. The "Midwest Whisky Olympics" at Journeyman Distillery has been criticized because it was organized by Greg Ramsay of the New Zealand Whisky Company, and two of his whiskies won medals. Greg Ramsay explains his side of the story in this episode, and for the first time, we have the complete list of the 17 entries. In the news, fire damages New York's Tuthilltown Distillery, a Scottish biofuel project using distillery by-products gains steam, Scottish designer Maeve Gillies creates a unique decanter to be auctioned in Edinburgh, and much more!]]>59:31nonew,scotland,competition,zealand,journeyman,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 390: September 22, 2012Sat, 22 Sep 2012 03:40:16 +0000This week, we're catching up with old friends and on new whiskies. After two full weeks on the road, there was much more to talk about than what would fit in the episodes from Paris and Bardstown -- even with bonus episodes each week. We'll "Czech" up on Hammer Head's new 23-year-old Czech single malt, Gordon & MacPhail's re-release of the Glenlivet 70 in Vancouver, and find out about a really old Karuizawa single malt from Japan...complete with tasting notes!]]>47:21noparis,kentucky,france,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,bardstownWhiskyCast Episode 389: September 16, 2012Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:36:57 +0000Bonus coverage in this special episode from the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, with highlights from the Bourbon Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the legendary I.W. Bernheim, the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, the Master Distillers' Auction, and much more. In the news, Michter's unveils a whopper of a bourbon along with expansion plans in Louisville, Woodford Reserve opens up to the archaeologists, and Jim Beam's Fred Noe pens his memoirs.]]>33:11nokentucky,bourbon,whiskey,bardstownWhiskyCast Episode 388: September 15, 2012Sat, 15 Sep 2012 22:05:40 +0000This weekend, I'm in Bardstown for the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. There's a legitimate claim that this could be the world's largest whisky festival, with an estimated 50,000 visitors from around the world. In this first of two episodes from Bardstown, we'll hear from members of the Beam family who are getting back into the family business, look at the boom in Bourbon tourism, and much more!]]>31:45nokentucky,bourbon,whiskey,whisky,bardstownWhiskyCast Episode 387: September 9, 2012Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:32:56 +0000More from Whisky Live Paris in this special episode...we'll hear from David Roussier of France's Distillerie Warenghem, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Ann Miller of Aberlour tells us about the latest release for France's most popular single malt, and we'll hear from Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail, Doug McIvor of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Daryl Haldane of Highland Park, and catch up with an old friend...Midleton Distillery cooper Ger Buckley.]]>45:09noparis,live,france,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 386: September 8, 2012Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:09:10 +0000This is the first of two episodes from Whisky Live Paris, and there's a lot to cover this weekend. We'll hear from The Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart, on his 50th anniversary single malt, along with the latest on whiskies from all over the world. In the news, updates on Diageo's plans for another new malt whisky distillery in Scotland, and Pernod Ricard's Chivas Brothers unit is getting closer to a decision on a new distillery of its own.]]>50:12noparis,scotland,australia,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 385: September 1, 2012Sat, 01 Sep 2012 05:02:06 +0000Emerging markets have been responsible for most of the growth in whisky sales worldwide, and Billy Walker of BenRiach and GlenDronach joins us this week to discuss the growing world of whisky. In the news, new whiskies from Bruichladdich, the Classic Malts, and Compass Box. Glenfiddich's Mitch Bechard tells us about the US debut of the Malt Master's Edition and a series of upcoming tastings, and Wild Turkey holds another groundbreaking ceremony in Kentucky...this time for a new $4 million visitors center.]]>40:26nokentucky,wild,scotland,bourbon,turkey,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glendronach,glenfiddich,benriach,exportsWhiskyCast Episode 384: August 25, 2012Sat, 25 Aug 2012 03:48:32 +0000Par Caldenby caught the whisky bug at an early age, but built a career as a lawyer in Sweden. The whisky bug first inspired him to write the book "Enjoying Malt Whisky" in 2006, and later to build his own distillery on Sweden's West Coast. This week, Smögen Whisky marked the second anniversary of its first cask filling, and we'll catch up with Par on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Heaven Hill's Craig Beam tells us about this year's Parker's Heritage Collection bourbon, John Glaser of Compass box updates us on new Great King Street and Flaming Heart releases, and Springbank announces its 2013 Whisky School dates.]]>42:41nojohn,box,hill,heaven,craig,bourbon,distillery,beam,sweden,parker,scotch,whiskey,whisky,compass,glaser,smogenWhiskyCast Episode 383: August 18, 2012Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:33:48 +0000You have questions about whisky, and this week, we have some of the answers. It's the annual Question and Answer episode of WhiskyCast, and whisky experts will answer some of the many questions that have come in from WhiskyCast community members. We'll get the definitive answer on whether to store whisky bottles on their side or standing up, among other things. In the news, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail gets a new member, Bowmore and Jameson release new whiskies, and The Famous Grouse goes over and above in setting a new world record.]]>36:36nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 382: August 11, 2012Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:46:00 +0000Canadians Barry Bernstein and Barry Stein have made whisky their second careers. After starting out as Canada's first independent Scotch Whisky bottlers with Premium Bottlers whiskies, they've moved into the distilling business. Their Still Waters Distillery near Toronto has already produced its first Canadian whisky, and is about to release its first single malt whisky. We'll catch up with Barry and Barry on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, new whiskies from Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, Glenfarclas, and the story of a world record that could have been...]]>36:22nokentucky,canadian,canada,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 381: August 4, 2012Sat, 04 Aug 2012 00:25:00 +0000Kirsteen Campbell has tried to keep a low profile since she was named Master Blender for Cutty Sark two years ago. However, it's hard to stay out of the spotlight when your whiskies are winning major awards. This week on WhiskyCast In-Depth, Kirsteen tells us about reviving one of Scotch whisky's iconic brands. In the news, Beam beats Wall Street expectations and the latest on new whiskies from Laphroaig, Buffalo Trace, BenRiach, Compass Box, and WhistlePig. We'll also announce the winner of the Glenmorangie/Open Championship Golf Giveaway!]]>52:56nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,cutty,sark,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 380: July 28, 2012Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:17:50 +0000What's the most intense environment one could age a whisky in? A Kentucky rickhouse with 100-degree temperature swings and high humidity...maybe. How about a deep-sea fishing boat on the ocean for more than three years? Trey Zoeller of Jefferson's Bourbon came up with the idea to put several Bourbon casks on a friend's boat...and his Ocean-Aged Bourbon is the result. He'll tell us how the marine environment changed the spirit into something unique. In the news, the latest on Bruichladdich's sale, a new Bourbon honoring a legendary whiskey thief, and much more...]]>44:16nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 379: July 21, 2012Sat, 21 Jul 2012 04:21:37 +0000Ian MacMillan manages three distilleries for Burn Stewart, each with their own unique personality. We'll talk with Ian about Bunnahabhain on Islay, Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, and Deanston in the Highlands. In the news, the Bruichladdich sale to Remy Cointreau has been completed for a whopping $90 million, the latest on Whyte & Mackay's financial situation, Glenmorangie goes golfing, and plenty of new whiskies are on the way!]]>54:21noscotland,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 378: July 14, 2012Sat, 14 Jul 2012 00:13:51 +0000You've probably never heard of the James Sedgwick Distillery, but South Africa's first whisky distillery has been producing some award-winning whiskies. Three Ships 5-year-old won top honors among blended whiskies in this year's World Whiskies Awards, and Bain's Cape Mountain grain is featured in Ian Buxton's new book "101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die". Distillery manager Andy Watts tells us what makes his whiskies so unique in this week's episode. In the news, Remy Cointreau's bid to Bruichladdich is just days from completion and details on new whiskies, including one that just might have you singing "Satisfaction"...]]>45:22nothree,africa,ships,distillery,south,whiskey,whisky,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 377: July 7, 2012Sat, 07 Jul 2012 04:56:16 +0000Each year, F. Paul Pacult takes all of the spirits he tastes during the year for the Spirit Journal and distills them down into the SJ 140, his list of the world's finest spirits. Paul discusses the 2012 SJ 140 with us in this episode, along with this year's choices for the Spirit Journal Hall of Fame. In the news, Edrington announces its annual financial results and hints at expansion plans in Scotland and Gordon & MacPhail updates its Connoisseur's Choice range.]]>40:31nospirits,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 376: July 1, 2012Tue, 03 Jul 2012 02:18:55 +0000Ken Loach's new film "The Angel's Share" focuses on an attempt to steal rare bottles of Malt Mill single malt Scotch. The actual Malt Mill distillery was hidden away inside Islay's Lagavulin Distillery until it closed in 1962. What may be the most precious Malt Mill artifact is now on display at Lagavulin: a sample of new make spirit from Malt Mill's final still run. It's been at Lagavulin all this time, handed down by each distillery manager to his successor. Georgie Crawford is the current manager, and with the interest in "The Angel's Share", she decided to reveal the existence of Malt Mill's secret sample to the world.]]>35:36noscotland,scotch,whiskey,whisky,islay,lagavulinWhiskyCast Episode 375: June 24, 2012Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:09:57 +0000Crown Royal master blender Andrew Mackay didn't have to look far when it came time to create a successor to the original Crown Royal XR, which used whiskies from the old Waterloo Distillery in Ontario. He just had to look in the warehouses at his home base, the old Lasalle Distillery in Montreal. In the news, Edinburgh's North British distillery is open again after receiving a clean bill of health from inspectors following the area's Legionnaire's disease outbreak. We'll also update last year's visit to Knockdhu Distillery, and Bonhams has pulled a controversial Ardbeg bottle from this week's auction in New York City.]]>30:01nocanadian,canada,montreal,distillery,crown,scotch,royal,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 374: June 17, 2012Sun, 17 Jun 2012 05:21:00 +0000Whisky lovers tend to be passionate about other things as well. For Mark Dermul of Belgium, it's whisky and "Star Wars". Mark and his friends celebrated the 35th anniversary of the premiere of "Star Wars" last month by restoring one of the movie's location sets in the Tunisian desert...then restoring themselves with a couple of bottles of single malt Scotch. He'll tell us why they picked this mission...and which whiskies they celebrated with. In the news, results from Australia's Malt Whisky Tasting Championship and the Compass Box 24 Hours of Le Whisky.]]>44:16nostar,wars,scotland,alabama,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 373: June 10, 2012Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:57:06 +0000How do you spend a billion and a half dollars? Believe it or not, it's hard to spend that much money. Diageo's Dr. Nick Morgan and his colleagues are about to find out just how hard it can be, since the world's largest spirits company has committed to investing that much to increase its Scotch whisky production. Nick explains the tentative plans for one new malt distillery and possibly a second, along with expansions at several existing distilleries and new warehouse facilities. In the news, Edinburgh's North British grain whisky distillery has been closed temporarily after a Legionnaire's Disease outbreak that has claimed at least one life.]]>30:01noscotland,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distilling,diageoWhiskyCast Episode 372: June 3, 2012Sun, 03 Jun 2012 04:29:00 +0000Ian Buxton's 2010 book "101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die" was a hit with whisky lovers around the world. Now, Ian has compiled a new list of "101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die", and his new book is on the way to booksellers now. He'll share some of the unusual whiskies he found in non-traditional whisky-producing countries such as Austria and Finland with us in this episode. In the news, Chivas Brothers plans to expand its Scotch whisky production, lawyers take on Louisville's "Bourbon Barons", and a herd of cows turns a backyard picnic into a beer bash!]]>44:31noscotland,bourbon,distillery,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 371: May 28, 2012Sun, 27 May 2012 01:08:48 +0000This week's episode was recorded on location at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the day before the 2012 Indianapolis 500. The Speedway holds a lot of memories for me, and I decided to make the trip this year for the first time in many years...and found some Scotsmen who feel the same way about Indy. We'll hear from them, and more to the point, we'll discuss the revival of another Irish pot still whiskey that's been gone for four decades. Irish Distillers has re-created Yellow Spot, one of the legendary Irish whiskies that holds a special place in the hearts of many Irish whiskey lovers. Kevin O'Gorman of Irish Distillers shares the process of reviving this classic whiskey with us.]]>44:21nokentucky,racing,scotland,bourbon,irish,indianapolis,scotch,whiskey,whisky,500WhiskyCast Episode 370: May 20, 2012Sun, 20 May 2012 05:34:28 +00001964 was an iconic year at Scotland's Bowmore Distillery, though that fact wouldn't be known for decades. The casks laid down that year produced the legendary Black Bowmore, along with the Gold and White Bowmores that make up the Bowmore Trilogy series. Turns out there was one cask from 1964 left....a Fino Sherry cask that will be available later this year as the Bowmore 1964. Turns out it's also the same cask that Morrison Bowmore's Iain McCallum poured me a sample from during my visit to his blending lab in 2010...without telling me what it was.]]>41:31nokentucky,bourbon,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,bowmore,islayWhiskyCast Episode 369: May 13, 2012Sun, 13 May 2012 05:14:13 +0000Japanese whiskies have won numerous awards in whisky competitions over the last decade, yet many whisky lovers have yet to try them. Until now, very few whiskies have been exported outside Japan, and even fewer to the U.S. Hakushu 12-year-old single malt has been available in Europe and other regions for a while, but it's just now becoming available in America. Suntory's Mike Miyamoto is a former manager at Hakushu and Yamazaki, and he'll explain the differences between the two whiskies, Michael Jackson's role in developing Hakushu's style, and answer some of your questions as well. In the news, Maker's Mark wins another round in court, the matriarch of the William Grant family has passed away, and the Larks celebrate an anniversary in Australia.]]>39:57nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 368: May 6, 2012Sun, 06 May 2012 04:01:15 +0000It's festival week in Speyside, and the Spirit of Speyside Festival has become one of the region's largest events of the year. We'll talk with Festival chairman Jim Royan about this year's event, as well as growing up downwind from Glen Moray, life in Speyside, and the region's unique character. In the news, another Irish whiskey bottler is looking for a new distiller, new whiskies from The Dalmore, Highland Park, The Macallan, Buffalo Trace, and plans for a high-altitude whisky tasting...]]>30:56noscotland,bourbon,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,speysideWhiskyCast Episode 367: April 29, 2012Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:51:30 +0000Whisky can be one of the most versatile spirits for chefs as well as cocktail lovers. We'll talk about cooking with whisky for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this week's episode with Stacy Laabs, one of the authors of "The Never Cook Sober Cookbook", and discuss how whiskies can complement and even enhance the flavors of your next meal. In the news, Heaven Hill announces plans for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville's downtown "Whiskey Row", and we'll have tasting notes for the first Clan Speyburn exclusive bottling.]]>32:16nocooking,kentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 366: April 21, 2012Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:26:49 +0000Dave Pickerell left Maker's Mark as Master Distiller four years ago, and since then, he's been one of the leaders of the craft distilling movement. He's worked as a consultant for dozens of distilleries, and has just taken on the role of Master Distiller at the Hillrock Estate Distillery in New York. In this week's episode, Dave tells us why he's having more fun than ever, and just what new distillers need to have to make it in the whisky business.]]>35:51nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 365: April 17, 2012Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:42:11 +0000This week's episode features highlights from Whisky Live New York, including interviews with distillers from two of the city's own craft distilleries. We'll also get the latest on Adelphi's plans for a new distillery on Scotland's Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Ardbeg in orbit, and plenty of new whiskies!]]>37:16nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 364: April 8, 2012Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:22:30 +0000If you want evidence of the boom in craft distilling, all you need to do is look at registration numbers for the American Distilling Institute's annual conference each April. This year's event in Louisville had double the attendance of last year's...which had double the attendance of the previous year's...and so on. We'll hear from some of the craft distillers who have jumped into whisky making with both feet, as well as some of their role models...including Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey.]]>37:31nokentucky,artisan,scotland,louisville,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 363: March 31, 2012Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:43:32 +0000This week's episode is a little different than most WhiskyCast episodes. My father passed away earlier this week, and my family and I have been in Indiana with the rest of our relatives. I considered taking the week off, but after thinking about my Dad's commitment to hard work, I decided that it would be best to produce an abbreviated episode focusing on the week's news, comments, and the Calendar of Events, along with some comments on life and love and a special version of the "What I'm Tasting This Week Department.]]>13:15nomount,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,dew,vernon,glenlivet,tullamoreWhiskyCast Episode 362: March 24, 2012Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:28:49 +0000Four times each year, Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris becomes the headmaster of the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy. His students get a one-day class on the intricacies of Bourbon, from the entire distilling process to nosing and tasting lessons. We'll listen as Professor Morris leads a recent class through some hands-on mashing experience as well. In the news, Whisky Magazine hands out the Icons of Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards in London, and 192 years of whisky production comes to a close in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock.]]>43:11nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 361: March 17, 2012Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:55:13 +0000It's St. Patrick's Day, and we're in Dublin for the annual Jameson Global Broadcast from the Old Jameson Distillery. Each year, radio stations from around the world broadcast their shows from the distillery, and you'll hear David Byrne of Irish Distillers lead them through a cask sampling of whisky from the Midleton Distillery. We'll also hear from Midleton distiller Liam Donegan and artist Paul Daly, who designed the special St. Patrick's Day Jameson bottle available only at the distillery.]]>40:31nojameson,irish,whiskey,whisky,ireland,dublinWhiskyCast Episode 360: March 10, 2012Sun, 11 Mar 2012 02:24:06 +0000Investment-grade Scotch. The very idea makes many whisky lovers furious...but there are those who see potential profits from their whisky collections. Andy Simpson is a former investment banker who now runs Whisky Highland, a business designed to help whisky investors make the most of their collections. Andy explains the potential he sees for whisky investing, and why it's not for everyone. In the news, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked reaches the market, Laphroaig and Auchentoshan expand their travel retail ranges, and much more!]]>48:16noinvesting,bourbon,woodford,reserve,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 359: March 4, 2012Sun, 04 Mar 2012 06:02:48 +0000Time to shatter some long-cherished myths and legends about Bourbon, and Michael Veach will serve as our myth-buster this week. He's the Bourbon historian at Louisville's Filson Historical Society, and is also a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame. In the news, Knob Creek and Wild Turkey release new rye whiskies, Ian Logan of Chivas Brothers updates last week's story on Glen Keith's revival, and we'll catch up with Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker's Mark.]]>53:51nobourbon,distillery,rye,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 358: February 26, 2012Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:00:15 +0000Each year, Glenmorangie releases a special edition finished in fine wine casks. This year's edition is Artein, and takes the flavors of Sassicaia wine casks from Italy's Tenuta San Guido in Tuscany. We'll hear from Ferdinando Fiori, an Italian whisky connoisseur who suggested Sassicaia casks to Glenmorangie's Bill Lumsden...and distillery manager Andy McDonald takes us to the Tarlogie Springs, the source of the distillery's precious water supply. In the news, Gillian Howell leaves Penderyn to join Bill Lumsden's team, Chivas Brothers plans to reopen Glen Keith for the first time since 1999, and Campari announces plans for a new Wild Turkey bottling plant in Kentucky. ]]>45:46noscotland,distillery,scotch,tuscany,whiskey,whisky,glenmorangie,arteinWhiskyCast Episode 357: February 18, 2012Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:33:14 +0000Craft distillers make whisky as much out of passion as a desire to make money, and that gives them the freedom to try different things...just because. Darek Bell is one of the partners in Corsair Artisan Distillery, based in Nashville, Tennessee and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and he's written a new book for craft distillers...and those who would like to be. "Alt Whiskeys" outlines some really unusual whiskey recipes, including an 11-grain Bourbon and "Amarillo Aromatherapy Bourbon." In the news, Adelphi has applied for permits to build Scotland's newest distillery and Cutty Sark tries to reclaim a piece of its heritage.]]>46:16nocraft,scotland,tennessee,scotch,corsair,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 356: February 12, 2012Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:16:42 +0000Rob Cederlid of Stockholm isn't your typical Swedish whisky lover. For instance, you're likely to see him in a cowboy hat and boots that are more suited to cattle drives than cross-country skiing. Rob owns the Saddle & Sabre restaurant and bar, where the steaks, beer, and the whiskey come from the US. The Saddle & Sabre has arguably one of the best bourbon collections of any bar in Europe, and Rob explains his passion for cowboy culture in this week's episode. In the news, two special whiskies honor Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee and another rare Glenfiddich auction raises money for the UK's wounded warriors. ]]>40:16noscotland,bourbon,sweden,stockholm,scotch,bars,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 355: February 5, 2012Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:13:24 +0000Whisky stories can make you smile, laugh, or even shed a tear once in a while, and we have stories to make you do all three in this episode. Some of whisky's best storytellers share their best family tales, jokes, and even an escapade or two...and those are just the ones we could get them to tell us on the record. In the news, Highland Park hammers the competition with Thor, new whisky sales and export numbers from the U.S., Glenfiddich rolls out the Cask of Dreams, and much more!]]>38:11nostories,canada,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 354: January 29, 2012Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:14:17 +0000More from the Victoria Whisky Festival in this week's episode, including updates from Kilchoman, Gordon & MacPhail, Amrut, Edradour and Signatory, and two of British Columbia's local distilleries, Shelter Point and Victoria Spirits. In the news, there may soon be a truce in the trade dispute between India and the European Union that affects Scotch whisky exports...and Yale's offering an architecture class with a whiskey-related theme.]]>26:06nocanada,scotland,victoria,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 353: January 22, 2012Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:53:00 +0000The end of January means many things, but in the whisky world, it means a trip to the Victoria Whisky Festival in British Columbia. The VWF is one of the world's best whisky festivals, and this week's episode features some of the highlights from this weekend's event. We'll get the latest on new whiskies from Cooley, Glenfarclas, Glenmorangie, and many more distillers, along with the results of the Canadian Whisky Awards and the newest chapter of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.]]>48:01nocanada,victoria,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 352: January 14, 2012Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:59:08 +0000A year ago, the owner of Glasgow's Pot Still Bar, Ken Storrie, passed away. At first, Glasgow whisky lovers were sad...but they quickly became mad after the Pot Still's landlord threw Ken's family and managers out. Now, they're happy...and going back to the Pot Still once again now that former manager Frank Murphy and his family have taken over one of Scotland's best whisky bars. Frank explains the whole sordid story and shares his memories of Ken and his hopes for the Pot Still in this week's episode.]]>29:01noscotland,still,distillery,pot,glasgow,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 351: January 7, 2012Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000Irish whiskey is enjoyed around the world, but perhaps not with as much passion as in Dublin. Leo Phelan is the president of Dublin's Irish Whiskey Society, and shares some of that passion with us in this week's episode. We'll hear his excitement about the revival of Pot Still Irish Whiskey, discuss some of Dublin's distilling history, and look at the future for Irish Whiskey. In the news, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is on its way to the U.S., Masterson's Rye is headed home to Canada, and Whyte & Mackay isn't going up for sale any time soon.]]>44:41nokentucky,scotland,whiskey,whisky,ireland,dublinWhiskyCast Episode 350: December 31, 2011Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:27:00 +0000Glen Grant's Dennis Malcolm marked 50 years at the distillery during 2011, and spent Christmas Day on a special mission. On Christmas Day in 1961, he filled a sherry hogshead with new make spirit, and three years ago, he moved that cask to a cave in the distillery's garden. On Christmas, he retrieved that cask, and what the angels (and Dennis) didn't get over the years will be bottled as a special anniversary edition of Glen Grant. Dennis shares some of his 50 years of stories with us, and helps quash a report out of Australia that Glen Grant was demolished years ago.]]>32:24nogrant,scotland,bourbon,distillery,glen,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 349: December 24, 2011Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:02:00 +0000Mike Padlipsky had two loves...software and whisky. He also had one mission...to find what he thought of as the world's best single malt whisky. Sadly, his last act before his death was to find a bottle of that whisky...and he never got to open it. Bill Ricker is the keeper of Mike's dual legacies in computing and whisky. He'll tell us about his friend's passions in this week's episode, and exactly what that whisky was that Mike sought out until his dying day.]]>48:21noscotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 348: December 17, 2011Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:52:00 +0000This is a big weekend for the eight founders of Sweden's Mackmyra Distillery. Their initial dream of building Sweden's first whisky distillery has been more successful than they dreamed...so much so that they've had to build a second distillery a couple of kilometers away to meet global demand. Rikard Lundborg was one of the founders, and now heads up global sales for the company. He'll tell us about the new distillery, which uses a unique design to minimize energy use and maximize efficiency...and he'll give us the real story behind the ski trip that was the genesis for Mackmyra. In the news, Beam acquires Ireland's Cooley Distillery, a 55-year-old Glenfiddich breaks auction records at Bonhams, and tasting notes for a 60-year-old single malt from The Macallan.]]>38:31nodistillery,sweden,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glenfiddich,mackmyraWhiskyCast Episode 347: December 11, 2011Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:53:18 +0000If you're trying to find a rare whisky, the easiest way to track it down may be through one of the many whisky auctions conducted by galleries like Bonhams and McTear's. Bonhams held its pre-Christmas whisky auction in New York City this past week, and we'll have exclusive coverage on this episode. You'll also find out how to put your own whiskies on the block, too. In the news, Johnnie Walker goes platinum, The Naked Grouse visits Dubai, and Buffalo Trace unleashes Bourbons made with rice and oats!]]>26:21nobourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whisky,auctions,bonhamsWhiskyCast Episode 346: December 4, 2011Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:44:00 +0000The arrival of December brings with it the annual announcement of the Malt Maniacs Whisky Awards. 171 whiskies from around the world were entered in this year's competition, and just eight won gold medals. Maniacs Keith Wood and Krishna Nukala join me from Germany and India to discuss this year's results on this week's episode. In the news, Woodford Reserve unveils Double Oaked Bourbon, the first permanent addition to the Woodford range since the debut of Distillers Select, and Chris Morris gives us the toasty details. We'll also have word on more new whiskies, and a new bourbon from West Virginia's Smooth Ambler Distillery.]]>01:11:41nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 345: November 27, 2011Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:26:00 +0000The Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville is holy ground for many bourbon lovers, even though it closed 20 years ago. Stitzel-Weller was the home of Pappy Van Winkle's legendary bourbons, and we'll look at the distillery's history and its future on this episode of WhiskyCast with historian Michael Veach and Julian Van Winkle. Tom Bulleit's Bulleit Bourbon is aged at Stitzel-Weller now, and he'll explain Diageo's plans to open at least part of the grounds to the public as The Bulleit Experience.]]>46:46nokentucky,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,bulleit,stitzelwellerWhiskyCast Episode 344: November 19, 2011Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:19:00 +0000Irish Whiskey has been the fastest-growing segment of the whisky business for the last several years. William Grant & Sons acquired Tullamore Dew last year, and has been investing millions of Euros to build the brand. A new "Irish True" marketing campaign for Tullamore Dew debuted this week in New York City, and we'll hear more from John Quinn and Shane Hoyne about the brand's heritage and its future...which may include a new Tullamore Dew distillery at some point. In the news, the Kentucky Distillers Association and Sazerac settle their legal dispute over the Bourbon Trail, new whiskies from The Glenlivet, Kilchoman, and The Whisky Exchange, and WhiskyCast gets a boost from Hollywood!]]>35:01nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 343: November 13, 2011Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:58:19 +0000Whisky Magazine announced its U.S. Icons of Whisky Awards this week in Louisville, and I was on hand for the ceremonies. Four Roses won Distiller of the Year honors for the second year in a row, and Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas was named Craft Distiller of the Year. We'll hear from winners Jim Rutledge and Chip Tate. In the news, a French family-owned wine company has bought Tullibardine, ghost hunters search Buffalo Trace for spirits of the ethereal variety, and much more!]]>47:01nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 342: November 6, 2011Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:50:00 +0000Ichiro Akuto is a maverick among Japanese whisky distillers, creating traditional whiskies with a style that's anything but traditional. When his family sold their Hanyu Distillery, he not only bought the remaining stocks of Hanyu, but built his own Chichibu Distillery next to the family's sake brewery. Ichiro shares his family history and his philosophy with us this week as we mark the end of WhiskyCast's 6th year.]]>33:21nojapan,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ichiro,akutoWhiskyCast Episode 341: October 30, 2011Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:38:39 +0000Each autumn, Woodford Reserve releases its Masters Collection whiskey, a variation on one of the five elements of Bourbon defined by Oscar Pepper and James Christopher Crow 160 years ago. This year's edition is actually two 100% rye whiskies, with one aged in new oak barrels and the other in refill Woodford barrels. Master Distiller Chris Morris unveiled them this week, and explains them in this episode. In the news, they're cheering in Wick, a bit of rumor control with Laphroaig's Simon Brooking, and the annual Pappy Van Winkle whiskies are on the way.]]>35:21nobourbon,distillery,woodford,reserve,rye,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 340: October 23, 2011Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:14:00 +0000Chuck Miller describes himself as "America's First Craft Distiller". He's been making moonshine legally at his Stillhouse Distillery in Culpeper, Virginia for 25 years, using the recipe and techniques he learned from his grandfather. Grandpa helped keep Washington wet during Prohibition and made moonshine illegally for decades, and despite frequent raids, never once got caught. Chuck shares his "shine" stories with us in this week's episode. In the news, the distillery that's helped many a craft distiller get started has been sold, The Balvenie Road Show winds up, and a listener sings the praises of Blended Scotches.]]>42:46nokentucky,bourbon,distillery,scotch,moonshine,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 339: October 16, 2011Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:59:05 +0000Adelphi's history dates back to 1826 and the old Adelphi Distillery in Glasgow. Descendants of the distillery's owners revived the name as an independent bottler, and we'll hear more about their unique whiskies and even more unique tasting notes in this week's episode. In the news, a vintage bottle of The Glenlivet sold for nearly $30,000 at the latest Bonhams auction in Edinburgh and Suntory's Mike Miyamoto gives us the details on the Hakushu single malt's arrival in North America.]]>27:18nobourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,suntory,adelphi,hakushuWhiskyCast Episode 338: October 9, 2011Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:14:07 +0000Jim Beveridge is the master blender for Diageo's Johnnie Walker whiskies, which means he's responsible for some of the world's best-selling Scotch whiskies. It also means he doesn't have time to do interviews very often, and I've wanted to talk with him for several years...so when we had the chance to connect for a few minutes, I jumped at the chance. We'll discuss his latest creation, Johnnie Walker Double Black, which has jumped from travel retail into mainstream markets, along with the art and science of whisky blending. In the news, Suntory prepares to export Hakushu single malts to the U.S., the 2012 Malt Whisky Yearbook has been published, and more!]]>39:13nokentucky,scotland,walker,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whisky,johnnieWhiskyCast Episode 337: October 2, 2011Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:14:12 +0000Back at home, but with Paris still on my mind, and plenty of news to catch up on! We'll catch up with more news on new releases from Whisky Live Paris, along with the latest headlines. Is United Spirits hot for Teacher's, Beam's Red Stag gets two more members in the herd, and Tim Forbes of The Whisky Exchange gives us a preview of this week's Whisky Show in London.]]>36:41noparis,france,scotland,bourbon,distillery,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 336: September 26, 2011Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:33:00 +0000In our final episode from Whisky Live Paris, we'll get updates on the process of exporting Nikka's Japanese whiskies to the U.S. for the first time, along with the latest on new releases from Kilchoman, Compass Box, Glen Grant, Aberlour, and a host of other distillers. In the news, a 19th century bottle of The Glenlivet will go on the auction block at Bonham's next month, Vijay Mallya sets his sights on Beam, and much, much more!]]>47:17noparis,scotland,whiskey,whisky,kilchoman,nikkaWhiskyCast Episode 335: September 24, 2011Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:56:00 +0000This is the first of two episodes from Whisky Live Paris, and we'll hear from some of the distillers who have traveled from around the world for one of the world's top whisky festivals, including Japan's Ichiro Akuto and Mark Littler of Australia's Hellyers Road. In the news, the final bottle of The Dalmore 64 sells for a new record retail price, Redbreast 12 goes cask-strength, and WhiskyCast welcomes a new sponsor.]]>24:17noparis,live,bourbon,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 334: September 18, 2011Sun, 18 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000Glasgow has been the heart of Scotland's whisky industry for decades, and while it retains much of its gritty character, there's plenty to make whisky lovers feel welcome. This time around, we'll look at some of Glasgow's best places for whisky lovers to visit, including a special focus on McTear's, one of the world's top whisky auction houses. In the news, the Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2011, new whiskies, and the latest on whisky exports.]]>01:15:46nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,glasgow,whiskey,whisky,bardstownWhiskyCast Episode 333: September 11, 2011Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:31:00 +0000Bruichladdich celebrates the 10th anniversary of its revival this weekend, and this week's episode comes from the distillery on the shores of Loch Indall on Islay! We'll look at how the distillery came back to life and brought a new spirit to the people of Islay, in the words of Head Distiller Jim McEwan, Managing Director Mark Reynier, and some of the people who have had their lives touched by the distillery.]]>49:43noscotland,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,islay,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 332: September 4, 2011Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:08:33 +0000Every September, whiskey lovers start prowling their favorite liquor stores for the arrival of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection whiskies. This year's lineup of three Bourbons and two Ryes was unveiled this week, and Kris Comstock of Buffalo Trace joins me to discuss them. I'll also have tasting notes for all five, and compare this year's George T. Stagg Bourbon to previous years. In the news, birthdays, big bottles and a "tun" of news from The Balvenie's Sam Simmons.]]>37:01nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,balvenie,staggWhiskyCast Episode 331: August 27, 2011Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:52:40 +0000The Kentucky Bourbon Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary three weeks from now, and we'll discuss this year's Festival and its history with Executive Director Linda Harrison. In the news, Four Roses unveils its 2011 Limited Edition Small Batch bourbon to be released at the Festival, the final remaining bottle of Dalmore Trinitas finds a home, and new single cask bottlings from BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh.]]>25:16nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,four,roses,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,dalmoreWhiskyCast Episode 330: August 21, 2011Sun, 21 Aug 2011 06:02:00 +0000One of the world's most unusual whisky festivals is coming up in a few weeks. Maltstock doesn't take place in a hotel or convention center, but at a former Scout camp in the Dutch woods. Maltstock co-founder Bob Wenting joins us on this week's episode to discuss what makes Maltstock unique. In the news, Abhainn Dearg releases its first official single malt, Catto's celebrates 150 years, and Buffalo Trace releases the second edition of Col. E.H. Taylor Bourbon.]]>27:31nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,single,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,malt,maltstockWhiskyCast Episode 329: August 14, 2011Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:45:49 +0000It's the second weekend of the month, and they're raising dust on the dirt road leading to Atlantic City. Not the one in New Jersey, but the one in Wyoming. For the last 3 years, Bob and Barbara Townsend have been holding single malt tastings on the second Saturday of each month at their Miner's Delight Inn...and they've had guests from as far away as California! In the news, Japan's Karuizawa whiskies get a new home, Old Pulteney gets an award, and would you believe someone has created a bourbon-based "spa treatment"?]]>35:51nocity,bourbon,atlantic,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,wyoming,amrut,karuizawaWhiskyCast Episode 328: August 7, 2011Sun, 07 Aug 2011 06:58:54 +000040 years ago, Dublin's Bow Street Distillery closed down after nearly 200 years of producing Jameson Irish Whiskey. In 1997, what survived of the old distillery reopened as the Old Jameson Distillery, a visitors center devoted to preserving the heritage of John Jameson's original distillery. Nearly 250,000 people visit the old distillery each year, and guide Christopher Goggins gives us a private tour in this week's episode...complete with drams at the end!]]>52:51nojameson,bourbon,buffalo,trace,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,irelandWhiskyCast Episode 327: July 31, 2011Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:49:50 +0000As the U.S. faces another debt crisis, this week marks the anniversary of a key event in another U.S. debt crisis...the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. On August 1, 1794, 7,000 Americans gathered at Braddock's Field in Western Pennsylvania to protest President Washington's tax on whiskey production. The protest led to a declaration of insurrection, and Washington led an army into the area to quash the rebellion. Dr. Dennis Pogue of Mount Vernon explains the history of the Whiskey Rebellion in this episode. In the news, Glen Moray has its first new single malt release under new ownership, Crown Royal lends its name to NASCAR's Brickyard 400, and much more!]]>39:26nomark,kentucky,history,president,scotland,washington,mount,bourbon,makers,pennsylvania,glen,rebellion,scotch,whiskey,whisky,moray,vernonWhiskyCast Episode 326: July 23, 2011Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:17:43 +0000New Orleans certainly has a cocktail culture, and this weekend, it's the Mecca for cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders from all over the world. Tales of the Cocktail is in its 9th year, and co-founder Paul Tuennerman joins us to talk about the history of Tales and how it's survived along with New Orleans in the post-Katrina era. In the news, a Canadian distillery starts producing single malt spirit for the future, Auchentoshan wants to "switch" bartenders, and we'll have a sneak preview of an all-new WhiskyCast podcast!]]>30:31nonew,orleans,spirits,bourbon,cocktail,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distillWhiskyCast Episode 325: July 17, 2011Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:49:18 +0000The Scottish town of Oban celebrated its 200th anniversary this week, and the folks at Oban Distillery fired up a Time Machine to celebrate. They went back to 1823 and found a cousin of the distillery's founders to explain life as Oban was being settled. "Alan Stevenson" explains some of the history, along with Joanne McCutcher of the Diageo Archives and Oban visitors center manager Carol Bennett. We'll also hear from Glenmorangie/Ardbeg's David Blackmore and Knob Creek Whisky Professor Bernie Lubbers, and there's breaking news on plans to export Nikka whiskies to the U.S.!]]>50:53nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,creek,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ardbeg,highlands,knob,distill,glenmorangie,diageo,nikka,obanWhiskyCast Episode 324: July 9, 2011Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:57:51 +0000As distilleries replace old equipment with new, the old stuff winds up on the scrap heap most of the time. Not so at Knockdhu Distillery in Scotland. Whether by coincidence, planning, or sheer luck, many of the distillery's artifacts have been preserved for decades after they were replaced by modern equipment. Knockdhu manager Gordon Bruce gives us a tour of his "museum" in this week's episode. In the news, plans for a new distillery in Louisville, management moves at Pernod Ricard, and plenty of new whiskies!]]>42:16nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,an,single,rye,scotch,highland,whiskey,whisky,malt,knockdhu,cnocWhiskyCast Episode 323: July 3, 2011Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:56:00 +0000It's been a little over four months since a massive earthquake destroyed much of Christchurch, New Zealand and claimed 181 lives. Today, the city is trying to rebuild, despite occasional large aftershocks. One of those people trying to rebuild is Michael Fraser Milne of Whisky Galore, Christchurch's largest whisky shop. His store was destroyed in the earthquake, which came just three days before Whisky Galore's biennial DramFest festival. Michael tells us about the recovery in Christchurch, and what he calls a "humbling" outpouring of support from the whisky community. In the news, Ian Macleod Distillers has bought Tamdhu Distillery and will bring it back to life, Diageo plans to expand in Speyside, and much more!]]>42:16nonew,mark,kentucky,bourbon,zealand,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,christchurch,speyside,diageo,tamdhuWhiskyCast Episode 322: June 26, 2011Sun, 26 Jun 2011 05:09:00 +0000Since 1869, Wild Turkey Bourbon has been made on Wild Turkey Hill, just east of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Jimmy and Eddie Russell saw a need to expand production to meet growing global demand for bourbon, but no room to grow on the Hill. Now, they're making Wild Turkey at a new $50 million distillery just up the road, and the dedication ceremony for the new distillery was held this week. The Russells tell us how they've gotten the new plant to make spirit that tastes just like the old place, and we'll hear Jimmy's entire speech during the ceremony.]]>43:51nokentucky,wild,russell,bourbon,distillery,turkey,rye,whiskey,whisky,campariWhiskyCast Episode 321: June 19, 2011Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:59:51 +0000Pulteney Distillery celebrates its 195th anniversary this year in the North Sea fishing town of Wick, Scotland. It's the home of Old Pulteney single malt whisky, and distillery manager Malcolm Waring takes us on a tour in this week's episode. In the news, new whiskies from Islay, Colorado, and the Lowlands of Scotland, an old whisky returns home to Islay, and the winners of the first WhiskyCast Father's Day competition.]]>01:07:36nowild,bourbon,distillery,turkey,scotch,wick,whiskey,whisky,distilling,bowmore,lagavulin,pulteneyWhiskyCast Episode 320: June 12, 2011Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:29:43 +0000It's a busy summer at Balblair Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Not only are they making whisky, but the distillery is also a movie set this week, the site of a wedding next month, and two days after the wedding...construction starts on the distillery's first-ever visitors center. Distillery manager John MacDonald tells us about his hectic summer in this week's episode. In the news...plenty of new whiskies, including two charity bottlings, and dueling boycotts over the conflict in the Middle East.]]>27:11nowild,russell,bourbon,turkey,rye,scotch,highland,whiskey,whisky,balblair,eddertonWhiskyCast Episode 319: June 4, 2011Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:54:58 +0000In the last episode, I mentioned the Balcones Brimstone blue corn whiskey from Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas...and how the corn was smoked over Texas scrub oak. Turns out I was wrong, and there's an even more interesting story behind this whiskey and the distillery. In the news, Jack Daniel's neighbors want to tax the distillery's whiskey barrels, Ireland could have a fourth distillery two years from now, new whiskies from Glen Garioch and The Macallan, and tasting notes for craft whiskies from Arkansas and Washington.]]>45:01nojack,tennessee,texas,bourbon,glen,daniels,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distilling,distill,laphroaig,garioch,macallan,balconesWhiskyCast Episode 318: May 29, 2011Sun, 29 May 2011 02:18:32 +0000Chuck Cowdery was writing about Bourbon back in the days when few people were paying attention to America's Native Spirit, and his work has earned him a spot in the Bourbon Hall of Fame. The author of "Straight Bourbon" and "The Bourbon Country Reader" tells us about Kentucky's love-hate relationship with Bourbon, long-gone distilleries, and the rebirth of interest in Bourbons. In the news, new whiskies from Jim Beam, Bunnahabhain, and Laphroaig, the Islay weather report, and a chat with "Whisky Classified" author Dr. David Wishart.]]>45:11nokentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,cowderyWhiskyCast Episode 317: May 22, 2011Sun, 22 May 2011 05:14:31 +0000This is a big weekend on Islay, and not only because it's the first weekend of the Islay Festival of Malt & Music. Bruichladdich is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its 2001 revival this weekend, and we'll look back at the last 10 years with managing director Mark Reynier and the Bard of Bruichladdich, singer-songwriter Robin Laing. Midleton Distillery cooper Ger Buckley tells us about the centuries-old art of making barrels by hand, and shows us in the debut of WhiskyCast HD, a new series of video podcasts. We'll also hear from the Spirit Journal's F. Paul Pacult and Euan Shand of Duncan Taylor.]]>01:04:41nomark,bourbon,buckley,gillespie,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,bruichladdich,pacult,midleton,reynierWhiskyCast Episode 316: May 15, 2011Sun, 15 May 2011 04:40:49 +0000The Powers family distilled whiskey for seven generations and two centuries on John's Lane in Dublin, and John Ryan is the seventh and final generation to carry on his family's tradition. While the Powers Distillery closed nearly 40 years ago, its legacy is now part of Irish Distillers, and John shares that history with us in this episode. In the news, plenty of new whiskies, awards, auctions, and a chance to buy a piece of Ponzi scheme history!]]>42:46nojameson,walker,bourbon,powers,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,balblair,distillers,johnnie,glenmorangie,glenglassaugh,midletonWhiskyCast Episode 315: May 8, 2011Sun, 08 May 2011 21:52:00 +0000Irish whiskies once ruled the world, and Dublin was the center of Ireland's whisky industry. There are no distilleries left in Dublin, but there's plenty of whisky history to be found, along with a handful of good whisky shops and great pubs. We'll hear from Michael Hedigan, the latest in a long line of Hedigans to run the Brian Boru pub in Dublin's Glasnevin neighborhood. In the news, Irish Distillers unveils two new single pot still Irish whiskies from Midleton and a massive expansion plan for Ireland's largest distillery.]]>01:13:46nojameson,bourbon,powers,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,dublin,kilbeggan,midletonWhiskyCast Episode 314: May 1, 2011Sun, 01 May 2011 05:41:59 +0000You've heard of single cask whiskies, but Buffalo Trace is taking the idea to an extreme with its Single Oak Project. There are 192 different bottles in the range, using wood from 96 different trees...and all of the wood in each cask comes from the same tree. It's just one way to control the variables that make the whisky from two barrels different, and there are nearly 1,400 possible combinations! We'll hear from the team behind this unique experiment, along with the week's news and the debut of a new feature -- in which you get to ask the questions!]]>54:06noproject,bourbon,buffalo,trace,single,rye,scotch,oak,whiskey,whisky,ardbeg,distill,glenmorangieWhiskyCast Episode 313: April 24, 2011Sun, 24 Apr 2011 03:45:55 +0000Charles MacLean is one of the world's top whisky writers, and is marking 30 years of writing about the water of life this year. We'll hear from this Master of the Quaich about how he developed his love for whisky and his nosing skills, along with what he likes and doesn't like about whisky these days. In the news, Graham Eunson leaves Glenglassaugh to become distillery manager at Tomatin, Diageo's Scotch distilleries show an increase in visitor traffic, and the UK prepares to mix whisky with politics...in one polling place.]]>30:46nomark,charles,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,maclean,whiskey,whisky,distill,tomatinWhiskyCast Episode 312: April 17, 2011Sun, 17 Apr 2011 01:00:24 +0000The last time we heard from Japanese whisky blogger and Malt Maniac Chris Bunting, he was in the middle of writing a book on Japan's drinking culture. "Drinking Japan" has just been published, and Chris joins us to discuss his book and the status of Japan's whisky distilleries after the recent earthquakes. Chris is also donating part of his royalties from the book to earthquake relief efforts. In the news, Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker's Mark is the toast of Kentucky after his retirement, whiskies for the Royal Wedding, and much more!]]>32:31nomark,kentucky,japan,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,whiskey,whisky,bunting,kilchoman,nonjattaWhiskyCast Episode 311: April 10, 2011Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:18:00 +0000Belgium is known for its outstanding beers, but the country has three languages, three different cultures, and one sub-culture that unites them...a whisky culture! Belgian whisky writer Fernand Dacquin explains in this week's episode, which also includes highlights from Whisky Live New York. In the news, Scottish distillers team up to help Japan, Tomatin's Douglas Campbell celebrates 50 years of distilling, and Jim Beam gives the Devil his due.]]>37:19nojim,mark,japan,benefit,bourbon,beam,gillespie,earthquake,rye,shackleton,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,kavalan,tomatinWhiskyCast Episode 310: April 3, 2011Mon, 04 Apr 2011 02:50:00 +0000This week's episode features one of the most mysterious single malt whiskies in the world. Taiwan's Kavalan whisky has received awards in worldwide competitions, even though the King Car Distillery has only been distilling whisky for six years and Kavalan is sold in only four Asian countries. We'll travel to Taiwan for an in-depth look at what makes this whisky unique. In the news, Decanter #1 of the Glenlivet 70 raises $24,000 for Japanese earthquake relief, new bourbons, and a new record for Scotch whisky exports.]]>46:01nobourbon,distillery,asian,taiwan,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,kavalanWhiskyCast Episode 309: March 26, 2011Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:55:32 +0000Five generations of the William Grant family have been making Grant's Scotch whiskies, and we'll look at the entire Grant's range with Ludo DuCroq in this episode. In the news, Decanter #1 of Gordon & MacPhail's Glenlivet 70 goes on the auction block for Japanese earthquake relief, the UK government sticks whisky lovers with the annual tax increase, and much more!]]>43:54nowilliam,mark,grant,bourbon,distillery,grants,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,bulleitWhiskyCast Episode 308: March 20, 2011Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:30:00 +0000More from Edinburgh on this edition, with a look at some of the key places whisky lovers seek out on a visit to Scotland's capital. We'll check out Royal Mile Whiskies, The Scotch Whisky Experience, and one of Edinburgh's best whisky bars. In the news, Whyte & MacKay is about to release a replica of Shackleton's whisky from Antarctica, Australian whisky comes to the US, an update on Japan's distilleries after the earthquake, and much more!]]>51:04nomark,bourbon,distillery,australia,gillespie,lark,whyte,shackleton,scotch,royal,whiskey,whisky,mackay,cattanach,caledonianWhiskyCast Episode 307: March 13, 2011Sun, 13 Mar 2011 04:49:07 +00001940 was a crucial moment in world history, as World War II was breaking out in Europe. That February, Gordon & MacPhail arranged to have 15 casks filled with new make spirit at The Glenlivet in Speyside. 70 years later, the one remaining cask has been bottled as the second release in G&M's "Generations Series". The Glenlivet 70 was unveiled this past Tuesday in Edinburgh, along with 5 other single cask Glenlivets from 1954 through 1991, and you'll hear the highlights and reaction on this episode of WhiskyCast!

]]>00nomark,gordon,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glenlivet,distill,macphailWhiskyCast Episode 306: March 5, 2011Sat, 05 Mar 2011 06:22:00 +0000David Perkins has been getting a lot of attention for his High West whiskies. Malt Advocate just named him its Industry Pioneer of the Year, and two weeks ago, Matt Colglaizer sang the praises of High West in his WhiskyCast interview. This time around, David explains how he moved from biochemistry to making whisky in Utah. In the news, the winners of Whisky Magazine's World Whiskies Awards, a new Bulleit Rye whiskey hits the market, and much more!]]>40:44nomark,kentucky,high,scotland,west,bourbon,blue,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,utah,nitrous,bulleitWhiskyCast Episode 305: February 26, 2011Sun, 27 Feb 2011 02:43:56 +0000Brown-Forman's cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky has an impact on whiskies all over the world. The cooperage makes all of the barrels for Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Brown-Forman's other whiskies...and of course, those barrels are later sent to distilleries in Scotland and around the world for aging whiskies. It's also one of the few cooperages open for tours, and general manager Greg Roshkowski will give us a tour in this episode. In the news, the Christchurch earthquake and its connection to the whisky world, plenty of awards, and more new whiskies!]]>48:29nokentucky,canadian,scotland,louisville,bourbon,distillery,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,brownforman,cooperageWhiskyCast Episode 304: February 19, 2011Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:58:08 +0000Still in Indiana, but that's giving me a chance to catch up with old friends. Matt Colglazier writes the American Craft Spirits blog, and also happens to be the marketing manager for Big Red Liquors in Bloomington, Indiana. That's where I spent four years getting my degree (in Bloomington, not at Big Red), and Big Red now boasts a selection of more than 200 whiskies. We'll hear from Matt about the growth in craft spirits and much more in this episode...]]>35:14nomark,canadian,craft,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,harrison,bloomington,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,colglazierWhiskyCast Episode 303: February 13, 2011Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:16:30 +0000This week's episode comes from Edinburgh...no, not THAT Edinburgh. I'm actually in Edinburgh, Indiana on family business, but talked with Alistair Longwell of Ardmore and Ryan Maloney of Julio's Liquors in Westborough, Massachusetts before I headed west. They've been working on the first official single cask Ardmore bottling that will make its debut at Julio's later this month. In the news, Diageo has an eye on Beam Global's future, a Kentucky distilling family wants to return to its roots, and much more.]]>29:14nomark,kentucky,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,liquor,whiskey,whisky,ardmore,pogue,distiller,juliosWhiskyCast Episode 302: February 6, 2011Sun, 06 Feb 2011 06:49:47 +0000Jim Murray isn't one to hold his tongue when he doesn't like something, and the man behind the Whisky Bible shares some of the things that are bothering him these days in this episode, along with some of the whiskies that surprised him this year. We'll also hear from Andrew Ferguson of Calgary's Kensington Wine Market about his hotbed of whisky in the middle of the cold Canadian prairie, along with the rest of the week's news and much more.

]]>39:01nomark,canadian,bible,calgary,india,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,kensington,antarctica,glendronachWhiskyCast Episode 301: January 30, 2011Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:44:38 +0000Canadian whiskies seldom gets their fair share of credit, since many whisky drinkers perceive them as something best mixed into a cocktail. While that's certainly an acceptable way to drink them, there are many Canadian whiskies that can hold their own when compared to any whisky from around the world. Davin de Kergommeaux of Canadian Whisky.org shares some of the history behind these unique whiskies and a few recommendations in this episode. In the news, new whiskies from Cooley, Highland Park, Buffalo Trace, Bowmore, and much more...]]>01:12:08nomark,club,canadian,bourbon,gillespie,crown,rye,scotch,royal,whiskey,whisky,wisersWhiskyCast Episode 300: January 23, 2011Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:05:10 +0000Plenty of highlights at this year's Victoria Whisky Festival, and we'll have all of the details in this episode recorded on location in Victoria, British Columbia. In the news, Scotch whisky exports are on the rise, Glenfarclas marks an anniversary, Arran goes peaty, Compass Box goes Orangerie again...and we mourn the loss of longtime Buffalo Trace legend Jimmy Johnson.

]]>39:52nomark,canadian,bourbon,gillespie,victoria,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glenfarclasWhiskyCast Episode 299: January 22, 2011Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:59:54 +0000This is the first live webcast of WhiskyCast, on location at the Victoria Whisky Festival in British Columbia. Our tasting panel and nosers from the audience went through five blind samples selected by Malt Maniac and Victoria Whisky Festival president Lawrence Graham, and you'll hear just how hard it is to guess just what a whisky could be without any clues. In the news, Shackleton's whisky gets first-class treatment, new expressions from The Dalmore and Old Pulteney, and whisky in a can?]]>51:33nomark,canada,scotland,bourbon,gillespie,victoria,rye,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 298: January 16, 2011Sun, 16 Jan 2011 05:18:13 +0000Your boss wants you to take on a massive project...restoring a distillery that was abandoned for more than 20 years. Dave Scheurich of Brown-Forman took on that challenge with the old Labrot & Graham Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Today, it's the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, and Dave has just retired as distillery manager. He'll share some of his stories with us in this episode. In the news, Shackleton's whisky is heading back to Scotland, Bill Samuels Jr. turns over Maker's Mark to the next generation, and much more!

]]>01:07:43noold,new,mark,early,jersey,bourbon,makers,woodford,reserve,times,gillespie,shackleton,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,pulteneyWhiskyCast Episode 297: January 9, 2011Sun, 09 Jan 2011 06:03:47 +0000Whisky lovers take their passion into all sorts of areas. Shai Gilboa decided to look into the history of a fairly obscure blended Scotch whisky after coming across an old bottle of Stewart's Cream of the Barley during a tasting in Israel. He not only studied the history, but tracked down a current bottle of Stewart's and sent samples of the old and new bottlings to friends around the world to compare. In the news, Ralph Erenzo's condition improves, Skye loses one of its champions, and Early Times brings out a new bourbon in the U.S.]]>35:53nomark,early,bourbon,distillery,times,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,stewarts,distillWhiskyCast Episode 296: January 2, 2011Sun, 02 Jan 2011 05:00:17 +0000We'll start off the New Year with a rare interview with Tim Morrison, managing director of A. Dewar Rattray and the son of Morrison Bowmore founder Stanley Morrison. Tim's career in the whisky business spans the acquisition of Bowmore by his family to today's independent bottlings he selects for A. Dewar Rattray. In the news, an update on Ralph Erenzo's condition and Whisky Magazine's U.S. Icons of Whisky winners.]]>30:58nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,morrison,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,bowmore,stronachie,tuthilltown,catoctinWhiskyCast Episode 295: December 27, 2010Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:28:00 +0000In the final episode of 2010, we'll take a look back at some of the year's more memorable moments. In the news, Tuthilltown Spirits founder Ralph Erenzo is hospitalized in critical condition after a car accident, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey has been sold, new whiskies from BenRiach and Glengoyne, and the real person in charge at Bruichladdich is retiring.]]>58:10nomark,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glengoyne,bruichladdich,stranahans,tuthilltown,benriach,ballantinesWhiskyCast Episode 294: December 19, 2010Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:03:29 +0000Dominic Roskow took on a tough challenge for his latest book - identifying the world's 750 best whiskies. We'll hear from the author of "The World's Best Whiskies: 750 Essential Drams from Tennessee to Tokyo" in this episode. In the news, Ken Storrie, the owner of Glasgow's legendary pub "The Pot Still" has died...and his Scrooge-like landlord evicted Ken's widow and family from the premises days before Christmas. We'll also hear about the retirement of Woodford Reserve manager Dave Schuerich, a milestone at Heaven Hill, and some of your "Dramcember" drams.

]]>41:28nothe,hill,heaven,ken,still,bourbon,distillery,woodford,reserve,pot,scotch,whiskey,whisky,storrieWhiskyCast Episode 293: December 12, 2010Sun, 12 Dec 2010 06:39:19 +0000Canadian whisky has been celebrating a renaissance of sorts, with shows like "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire" renewing interest in these often-overlooked whiskies. Davin de Kergommeaux is the publisher of CanadianWhisky.org, and this past week handed out the first Canadian Whisky Awards. Davin and I discuss the winners and other Canadian whiskies to watch for. In the news, Fortune Brands plans to shed divisions and focus on spirits, an interview with new Maker's Mark master distiller Greg Davis, and US regulators answer the "single malt whisky" question.]]>52:54nonew,jim,mark,kentucky,club,canadian,white,jersey,bourbon,distillery,beam,gillespie,scotch,owl,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,wisersWhiskyCast Episode 292: December 5, 2010Sun, 05 Dec 2010 06:43:07 +0000Each year, a dedicated group of maniacal whisky lovers takes on the challenge of tasting and judging the world's best whiskies. The Malt Maniacs Awards is one of the world's toughest whisky competitions, and the 2010 edition is no exception with just 12 gold medals...and 262 entries! Master Maniac Johannes van den Heuvel joins me from Amsterdam to discuss this year's winners on this week's episode. In the news, winter weather hits Scotland hard and Johnnie Walker gets a bar of its own in New York City.]]>59:18nonew,mark,jersey,walker,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,maniacs,haddonfield,johnnie,distill,macallanWhiskyCast Episode 291: November 27, 2010Sat, 27 Nov 2010 06:05:47 +0000The last time we heard from Jim McEwan, he was leading a toast at the end of his master class at Bruichladdich during Feis Ile in May. Jim's been a busy man since then, but he agreed to sit down for a few minutes and discuss his dalliance with distilling gin, the future of Bruichladdich as the 10th anniversay of its reopening nears, and his own approaching retirement to spend time with his grandchildren. In the news, repair work is underway at Springbank, auction results from Glasgow and Hong Kong, and the debut of the WhiskyCast Glencairn nosing glass!

]]>41:23nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,barrel,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,springbank,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 290: November 20, 2010Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:22:00 +0000Whisky truly is the "water of life", and as many as 60,000 people will benefit from the sale of one very special bottle of whisky this past week. The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter is the largest and heaviest Lalique decanter ever made, and holds the oldest Macallan whisky ever bottled. It sold Monday night at Sotheby's in New York for the highest price ever paid for a single bottle of whisky: $460,000. There's complete coverage of the auction in this week's episode, along with news from the Bonhams whisky auction in Edinburgh, several whisky competitions, and the Holiday Gift Guide has a Vegas flair.]]>40:09nonew,water,mark,scotland,charity,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,macallan,laliqueWhiskyCast Episode 289: November 14, 2010Sun, 14 Nov 2010 07:06:07 +0000Malt Advocate held its annual WhiskyFest New York this past week, and the microdistilling community was out in force. Some of the most creative experiments in distilling are being done at American microdistilleries, and you'll hear from some of the distillers in this episode. In the news, a boiler explosion shuts down Springbank, a $160,000 bottle of whisky is still on the market, and the Friends of Laphroaig visit the Statue of Liberty.]]>56:54nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,cigars,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 288: November 7, 2010Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:32:26 +0000This episode marks a milestone...the fifth anniversary of the first WhiskyCast episode. Veteran bartender and author of "Bartending for Dummies" Ray Foley joins us to discuss the art of bartending, and don't dare refer to him as a "mixologist". In the news, Scotch whisky exports are on the rise, new bourbons are on the way, Caperdonich comes tumbling down, and the holiday gift guide looks at new whisky-specific glassware from Villeroy & Boch.]]>39:53nomark,bartending,ray,foley,bartender,bourbon,distillery,angels,gillespie,envy,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,caperdonichWhiskyCast Episode 287: October 31, 2010Sun, 31 Oct 2010 04:47:34 +0000Serge Valentin takes whisky seriously...but not much else. His WhiskyFun.com website is among the world's most popular whisky web sites, with tasting notes for thousands of whiskies from all over the world, music reviews, and much more. Serge explains his philosophy of life in this episode, along with the latest news, this week's trivia question, and the holiday gift guide.]]>01:05:54nonew,mark,jameson,michael,jersey,bourbon,distillery,makers,collins,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,glenfiddichWhiskyCast Episode 286: October 24, 2010Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:39:00 +0000Ever wondered why the U.S. requires whisky to be sold in 750ml bottles, while most of the rest of the world sells 700ml bottles? We'll get the definitive answer to that and other federal red tape questions from former ATF and TTB agent William Earle, now president of the National Association of Beverage Importers. In the news, another ultra-premium Johnnie Walker whisky, new malts from The Glenrothes and Amrut, and the debut of the WhiskyCast Holiday Gift Guide.]]>41:48nomark,walker,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,ian,buxton,scotch,whiskey,whisky,jura,johnnie,distill,amrut,glenmorangie,glenrothesWhiskyCast Episode 285: October 17, 2010Sun, 17 Oct 2010 05:07:00 +0000Compass Box marks 10 years in the whisky business this week, and John Glaser is celebrating with retrospective tastings in New York and Edinburgh. We'll have highlights of the New York tasting on this week's episode. In the news, a rare bottle of Mortlach 70 is stolen at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival, and two bottles of 64-year-old Dalmore have sold for about $160,000...each! We'll also remember Ronnie Eddins, the longtime Buffalo Trace warehouse manager who passed away this past week.]]>01:18:25nobox,mark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,compass,dalmore,distill,mortlachWhiskyCast Episode 284: October 10, 2010Sun, 10 Oct 2010 04:57:00 +0000Every master has an apprentice learning the tricks of the trade and preparing to fill the master's shoes one day. Brian Kinsman served as David Stewart's protege at William Grant & Sons, and has now taken on David's role as Master Blender for Grant's and Glenfiddich Malt Master. David continues as Malt Master for The Balvenie, and we'll hear from both men in this episode. In the news, Dewar's completes the first phase of its expansion plans, two bottles of George Washington's Rye go on the auction block, and Woodford Reserve searches for the perfect Manhattan recipe.]]>42:29nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,woodford,reserve,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,glenfiddich,balvenieWhiskyCast Episode 283: October 3, 2010Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:54:00 +0000No journalist has ever been allowed inside the Chivas Brothers blending lab in Kilmalid, Scotland...which means whisky lovers have never gotten a look inside...until now. Master Blender Sandy Hyslop directs the production of Ballantine's Scotch and other Chivas products from this lab, and that includes the entire range of single malt bottlings from the Chivas Brothers distilleries. We'll get a look at everything from new make grain spirit to Ballantine's 30-year-old Scotch, and there's a quiz at the end. You don't have to take it...I did. In the news, Highland Park unveils a 50-year-old expression, Diageo opens the massive Roseisle Distillery in Speyside, Old Pulteney's looking for an Arctic Explorer, and brace yourselves, Android users...there's an app coming your way soon.]]>01:32:19nomark,park,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,highland,whiskey,whisky,chivas,distill,ballantinesWhiskyCast Episode 282: September 27, 2010Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:11:00 +0000This is the third and final episode from Whisky Live Paris, where I was honored to be a judge in the Nikka Perfect Serve competition for bartenders from 10 European countries. We'll also hear from David Robertson of Whyte & Mackay, Glann ar Mor's Jean Donnay, Glen Grant master distiller Dennis Malcolm, Doug McIvor of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Lisa Collins of Mackmyra, take a look at Blanton's bourbons that you'll never see in Kentucky and get a taste of absinthe!]]>57:47nomark,live,la,scotland,bourbon,distillery,maison,gillespie,du,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,nikkaWhiskyCast Episode 281: September 26, 2010Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:16:00 +0000More coverage from Whisky Live Paris on this special episode of WhiskyCast! We'll hear from Anthony Wills of Kilchoman, John MacDonald of Balblair, author Dave Broom, Bill Lumsden of Glenmorangie, Ann Miller of Aberlour, Compass Box's John Glaser, Luc Timmermans of Belgium's Lindores Whisky Society and much more...along with tasting notes for some of the whiskies I've tasted today in Paris!]]>58:20nobox,mark,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,compass,glenmorangie,kilchoman,aberlourWhiskyCast Episode 280: September 25, 2010Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:20:00 +0000I'm on the road this weekend at Whisky Live Paris, and it's a weekend full of new whiskies to taste! We'll hear from Thierry Benitah of La Maison du Whisky, along with Kerry White of GlenDronach, Amrut's Ashok Chokalingam, Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail, Marcin Miller of Number One Drinks Company, and three of Australia's leading distillers!]]>01:01:17nomark,japan,france,bourbon,distillery,australia,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whiskyWhiskyCast Episode 279: September 19, 2010Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:25:00 +0000Ireland's Midleton Distillery features 5 pot stills, eight column stills, and literally dozens of possibilities for making Irish whiskey. It's home to Jameson, Power's, Midleton, Paddy, and many other Irish whiskeys. While the Old Midleton Distillery is now a visitors center, the main distillery is off-limits to visitors -- until now. You'll get an in-depth look inside one of the world's great distilleries on this episode. In the news, the Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2010, a shake-up at Maker's Mark, the details on Amrut's new expression...and this week's trivia question.]]>01:07:19nomark,jameson,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ireland,distill,midletonWhiskyCast Episode 278: September 12, 2010Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:37:00 +0000This week's episode comes from the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland, which has been completely renovated to provide state of the art whisky education for both consumers and professionals. We'll hear from the Experience's Julie Hunter on the changes, which include the addition of the Claive Vidiz Collection of whiskies to the exhibits on display. We'll also catch up with Alastair Day on the success of his Tweedale Blend whisky and Victor Brierley tells us about a new tour service for Glasgow's great whisky bars.]]>35:55nomark,scotland,bourbon,gillespie,shackleton,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ardbeg,bruichladdichWhiskyCast Episode 277: September 5, 2010Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:48:00 +0000Women are discovering whisky and other brown spirits at record levels, and dispelling the old myth that whisky is a "man's drink." Meghan Leary is the author of "Whiskey for Women" and the website of the same name, and is on the forefront of teaching women about whisky. She'll share her insights with us on this week's episode. In the news, Scotland's government plans to impose minimum pricing over industry objections, Colum Egan of Bushmills picks his apprentice, and the "Water of Life Drive" reaches its goal for Charity: Water!]]>34:19nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,bushmills,glenrothesWhiskyCast Episode 276: August 29, 2010Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:46:00 +0000The Whisky Guild held its annual "Whisky on the Hudson" tasting and dinner cruise in New York City the other night, with more than 900 people on hand to taste dozens of whiskies. I'll have some of the highlights on this week's episode, including a visit to The Balvenie's Warehouse 24 room and chats with some of the U.S. microdistillers on hand. In the news, a new peated Glenmorangie, 10 single casks from BenRiach, a new Macallan 1824 Collection expression, and an update on the "Water of Life" Drive for Charity: Water.]]>46:23nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distill,balvenie,stranahans,macallanWhiskyCast Episode 275: August 22, 2010Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000Ever have one of those conversations that seems like just a few minutes, until you look at the clock and realize it's gone on for a long time? That sums up my chat this week with Robin Blackadder, the "nom du whisky" for Blackadder bottler Robin Toucek. We discussed everything from how he picks single casks to whisky festivals, politics, and small animals, and you'll hear our chat in this week's episode. In the news, Dr. Martin Tangney of Edinburgh Napier University explains his new technique for turning distillery waste into a usable biofuel, along with details on new whiskies and auction results for old ones.]]>01:08:08nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,biofuel,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,blackadder,distillWhiskyCast Episode 274: August 15, 2010Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:43:00 +0000There's no doubting that Kentucky makes great bourbons, but a single malt? That hasn't happened since 1919...until now. Dr. Pearse Lyons is the CEO of Alltech, which makes yeasts and animal feed supplements in Kentucky. He comes from generations of Irish coopers, and since Alltech already owns the Kentucky Brewing Company in Lexington, he decided to honor his heritage with a single malt. We'll also get the latest on Shackleton's whisky from Nigel Watson of the Antarctic Heritage Trust and learn more about Charity: Water from CEO Scott Harrison.]]>50:08nomark,kentucky,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,alltech,pearseWhiskyCast Episode 273: August 8, 2010Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:15:00 +0000"Hammer Head" sounds like the name for a Caribbean rum, not a whisky. In this case, it's not a shark reference, but the name of a long-forgotten Czech single malt whisky just being released. Tony Roberts of Stock Spirits Group shepherded Hammer Head to market, and explains the origin of the whisky and its unusual name. Plenty of new whiskies to talk about this week, along with the start of the WhiskyCast "Water of Life" Drive.]]>43:53nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,hammer,head,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,czech,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 272: August 1, 2010Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:01:00 +0000Heather Greene works two jobs...as a singer and as one of the U.S. brand ambassadors for Glenfiddich. It's the second job that has made her a fixture at whisky festivals and helped her win Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky award as the best young whisky ambassador in the U.S. this year. Heather discusses balancing music and whisky in this week's episode, and in the news, new releases from Heaven Hill, The Balvenie, and tasting notes for the new Parker's Heritage Collection 2010 Wheated Bourbon and a vintage Glenfarclas.

]]>34:38nomark,scotland,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,glenfiddich,glenfarclasWhiskyCast Episode 271: July 25, 2010Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:27:00 +0000I met up with Richard Paterson of Whyte & Mackay at Boston's Federal Wine & Spirits just as the news came from New Zealand that scientists will thaw out one of the cases of whisky found at Sir Ernest Shackleton's camp in Antarctica. Richard shares his hopes for the whisky inside that case, along with news on new bottlings from The Dalmore and Isle of Jura, and his unique tale of the history of Scotch whisky. We'll also touch base with Federal's Joe Howell on the business of selling whisky, and taste two Dalmores...one old and one new.]]>55:13nomark,bourbon,gillespie,whyte,shackleton,scotch,whiskey,whisky,jura,dalmore,distillWhiskyCast Episode 270: July 18, 2010Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:29:00 +0000Laphroaig's stillhouse is a popular part of tours at the distillery, and the stillman you're most likely to meet is Allan Hyslop. Allan's been a fixture at Laphroaig for 30 years, and celebrated his anniversary during Feis Ile this year. He'll share some of his stories with us in this episode. In the news, the defending champion in the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship has been dethroned, Heaven Hill expands its line of Evan Williams bourbon-based liqueurs, and an amazing find at the bottom of the sea between Sweden and Finland.]]>26:24nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,laphroaigWhiskyCast Episode 269: July 11, 2010Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:40:00 +0000Tommy Smith worked at Strathisla Distillery in Speyside for 27 years before taking "early retirement." He's put in another eight years since then guiding visitors around the distillery and telling tales of the days when coal fired the stills, men ran the stills instead of computers, and "dramming" was part of the job. He'll share some of his stories with us in this episode. In the news, new releases from Ardbeg, Six Isles, Four Roses, charity events, and competitions, along with your e-mails and ways to keep cool in the summer's heat.]]>40:21nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,speyside,strathislaWhiskyCast Episode 268: July 4, 2010Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:55:00 +0000George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon is a unique part of American history, and for the first time since Washington's distillery burned down in 1814, whiskey distilled at Mount Vernon went on sale this week. Just 471 bottles of rye whiskey using the original Washington recipe sold out within two hours, and this episode includes some of the festivities as well as tasting notes for the whiskey.]]>28:43nomark,george,scotland,washington,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 267: June 27, 2010Sun, 27 Jun 2010 02:15:00 +0000Dave Pickerell has been keeping a low profile since leaving Maker's Mark in April of 2008. Turns out he was doing research into rye and microdistilling, and discovered a 10-year-old rye that just begged to be bottled. Dave and his partners are now selling WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, with plans to build a distillery on a farm in Vermont's Green Mountains. Dave explains his new whiskey and his research in this week's episode. In the news, George Washington's Rye goes on sale this week, results from the Bonhams auction in New York, and more new whiskies.]]>35:53nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,rye,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,whistlepigWhiskyCast Episode 266: June 20, 2010Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:46:00 +0000Glenfiddich will be releasing just 50 bottles of its 50-year-old single malt a year for the next 10 years, and opened one of the first 5 U.S. bottles Thursday at New York City's Mandarin Oriental Hotel. We'll hear from Caspar MacRae of William Grant & Sons, along with a Seattle whisky lover who won a trip to New York to taste the Glenfiddich 50. I'll have my tasting notes for this one of a kind whisky, too.]]>23:18nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,glenfiddichWhiskyCast Episode 265: June 13, 2010Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:19:00 +0000Time for another trip inside the blending lab, and Iain McCallum of Morrison Bowmore is our host. He'll take us through some old Auchentoshans and Glen Gariochs, along with a special surprise at the end. In the news, William Grant & Sons teams up with one of the top U.S. microdistillers, Glen Breton rubs it in, Glenmorangie's team of bloggers picks this year's Vintage Cask, and Glenmorangie says "L'Chaim."]]>55:29nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,bowmoreWhiskyCast Episode 264: June 4, 2010Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:22:00 +0000The Glenlivet is the world's #2 selling single malt, and is taking aim at the top spot with a new distillery expansion. Chivas Brothers celebrated the $15 million dollar project today with a Royal Salute...literally. Prince Charles was on hand for the dedication, and you'll get a taste of the festivities on this episode of WhiskyCast recorded on location at The Glenlivet.]]>33:34noWhiskyCast Episode 263: May 30, 2010Sun, 30 May 2010 18:33:00 +0000The Port Ellen Maltings supplies malt for many of Islay's distilleries, and I'll wrap up the special series of Feis Ile episodes from Islay with a rare tour inside the Maltings led by native Ileach manager Graham Logie. There's music from Robin Laing and some final thoughts as I wind up coverage of the 25th Islay Festival of Malt & Music.]]>01:13:37nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 262: May 29, 2010Sat, 29 May 2010 20:38:00 +0000Ardbeg has the final distillery day of the annual Islay Festival of Malt & Music, and even though there wasn't a full-size roller coaster on hand for the carnival Ardbeg threw, there was a full-proof Rollercoaster -- the special bottling marking the 10th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee. Today was also the official debut of the 2010 version of Supernova, and you'll get tasting notes in this episode, hear from some of the 300-plus people who started lining up last night to get the Ardbeg Feis Ile bottling, and listen as I get up close and personal with some peat.]]>51:29nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ardbeg,malt,distill,islay,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 261: May 28, 2010Fri, 28 May 2010 19:47:00 +0000The road to Bunnahabhain Distillery is four miles long, and full of twists and turns. The views are stunning, though...and the whisky's pretty good, too. This is Bunnahabhain's day during the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, and we'll hear from the new distillery manager, Andrew Brown, along with stillman Robin Morton. There's music from the Scottish band Skerryvore, and much more on this episode from Islay.]]>37:35noblack,mark,bourbon,gillespie,bottle,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,bunnahabhain,feis,ile,skerryvoreWhiskyCast Episode 260: May 27, 2010Fri, 28 May 2010 00:15:00 +0000This is the second of Thursday's two episodes from the Islay Festival of Malt & Music, recorded on location at Isle of Jura Distillery on the island of Jura. It's easy to find the distillery...just get off the ferry, drive down the island's one road, and stop at the end. There's a treat waiting for you, as you'll find in this episode of WhiskyCast!]]>46:57nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,jura,distill,islay,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 259: May 27, 2010Thu, 27 May 2010 18:34:00 +0000This is the first of two episodes today from the Islay Festival of Malt & Music. Kilchoman is Islay's first new distillery in more than 120 years, and even though it just released its first single malt a few months ago, it's receiving rave reviews from whisky critics. We'll hear from Kilchoman founder Anthony Wills, Dr. Jim Swan, and some of the dozens of people who lined up for Kilchoman's first official Feis Ile single malt release.]]>43:37nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,kilchoman,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 258: May 26, 2010Wed, 26 May 2010 19:59:00 +0000Bowmore is Islay's oldest distillery, and the second oldest in all of Scotland. It's at the heart of Islay's largest town, and plays a major role on the island. It's also the only distillery with two Feis Ile special bottlings, and distillery manager Eddie McAffer is making one available to a WhiskyCast listener! Details in this episode, along with a visit to Islay's best whisky bar and music from the Spirit of Islay Pipe Band.]]>46:06nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,bowmore,islay,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 257: May 25, 2010Tue, 25 May 2010 19:52:00 +0000Laphroaig is one of those whiskies that you're either going to love or loathe...with no middle ground. Today is Laphroaig's day at the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, and this episode was recorded at the distillery on a windy, but sunny and warm day. We'll hear from distillery manager John Campbell, master blender Robert Hicks, get a cooking lesson from Gordon Harvey, one of the authors of "The Scotch Whisky Cookbook," attend the Feis Ile whisky nosing competition, and hear music from Brigid Kaelin.]]>55:53nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,laphroaig,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 256: May 24, 2010Mon, 24 May 2010 17:36:00 +0000Caol Ila Distillery may have the most beautiful setting of any of Islay's distilleries. It sits on the Sound of Islay directly across from the Paps of Jura, and when the skies are clear, you can see the Isle of Mull on the horizon. This is Caol Ila'sfestival day during the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, and we'll hear from distillery manager Billy Stitchell, taste some Caol Ilas, and talk to a local lobsterman and a precocious 3-year-old.]]>38:30nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,ila,distill,islay,feis,ile,caolWhiskyCast Episode 255: May 23, 2010Mon, 24 May 2010 00:17:00 +0000Day two of the Islay Festival of Malt and Music is Bruichladdich's turn to shine, and the sun was shining once again as Ileachs and whisky lovers from all over the world gathered at the distillery. Distillery manager Duncan McGillivray joins me in this episode, along with highlights from Jim McEwan's master class, Islay beers, and a song from Robin Laing.]]>47:08nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,bruichladdich,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 254: May 22, 2010Sat, 22 May 2010 18:31:00 +0000Here we go...with the first of many episodes from the Islay Festival of Malt and Music. It's opening day, and Lagavulin traditionally is the first distillery to have its festival day. We'll hear from distillery manager Peter Campbell, a native Ileach, along with many of the people who make Feis Ile special, and I'll have tasting notes on several Lagavulin expressions, including this year's sold-out Feis Ile bottling.]]>43:59nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,islay,lagavulin,feis,ileWhiskyCast Episode 253: May 16, 2010Sun, 16 May 2010 04:52:00 +0000Annabel Meikle does double duty...serving as a sensory whisky expert and educator for Glenmorangie and also serving as a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's tasting panel. We'll discuss everything from training one's nose to the role of women in the whisky industry in this week's episode. In the news, Supernova comes around faster than Halley's Comet, Forty Creek will release a rarity...a Canadian whisky using Canadian Oak, and a question about WhiskyCast advertising and conflicts of interest.]]>31:09nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,glenmorangieWhiskyCast Episode 252: May 9, 2010Mon, 10 May 2010 01:37:00 +0000Dennis Hendry is one of the true characters of the whisky business. He manages the visitors center and leads tours at Aberlour, and is regarded as one of the top distillery tour guides in Scotland. You'll hear why in this week's episode, along with some of the behind-the-scenes stories that usually never see the light of day. In the news, a new lawsuit reveals the reason for Sazerac's split from the Kentucky Distillers Association, results of the latest McTear's whisky auction, and the cartoonists do it again...taking a swipe at Glenfiddich!]]>54:54nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,aberlourWhiskyCast Episode 251: May 3, 2010Mon, 03 May 2010 22:43:00 +0000There's a locked door at the Glenrothes Distillery, which normally is not open to visitors. The sign above the door reads "I.S." -- and stands for "Inner Sanctum." Ronnie Cox has the key to that door, and his inner sanctum has samples of every Glenrothes single malt expression ever released. We'll go through a couple of very rare Glenrothes whiskies during a chat with Ronnie on this episode. In the news, William Grant & Sons buys the Tullamore Dew range of Irish whiskies and the results of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Awards.]]>44:18nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,glenrothesWhiskyCast Episode 250: April 25, 2010Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:37:00 +0000Back from Scotland, and plenty to talk about. This episode features highlights from the World Whiskies Conference in Glasgow, as well as a rare interview with retired Suntory master blender Dr. Koichi Inatomi. In the news, Springbank's distillery manager heads north to take over Duncan Taylor's new distillery project in Huntly, along with a new 40-year-old single malt from Glenfarclas, Highland Park's plans to phase out two travel retail releases, and new travel retail expressions from The Balvenie and Grant's.]]>46:28nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 249: April 19, 2009Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:53:00 +0000I had a great experience today, and decided it warranted a special mid-week episode recorded on board a First ScotRail train from Aberdeen to Glasgow. Michael Urquhart gave me a private tour of the Gordon & MacPhail warehouses and sample room in Elgin, along with a tasting of several G&M bottlings, including the new 70-year-old Mortlach! Along the way, we talked about the family's history in the whisky business, nosing and tasting, and much more!]]>01:00:23noWhiskyCast Episode 248: April 17, 2009Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:08:00 +0000This episode comes from the Highlander Inn in Craigellachie, Scotland...the heart of Speyside! We'll hear from Highlander co-owner Duncan Elphick and the manager of the Highlander's world-class whisky bar, Tatsu Minagawa, about the Highlander's history and its whisky selection. In the news, Scotch whisky exports hit a new high despite the economy, a mothballed Speyside distillery will be sold and closed forever, new distillery tours, and a new GlenDronach. I'll also go to whisky school with Donald Renwick and the faculty at Royal Lochnagar!]]>54:37nomark,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,distill,speyside,craigellachieWhiskyCast Episode 247: April 12, 2010Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:44:00 +0000The whisky business is in good shape despite the global recession. That's the view of Sir Gavin Hewitt, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association. I sat down with Sir Gavin during his visit to New York for Whisky Live and a seminar for trade professionals to discuss whisky exports and the impact of the new Scotch Whisky Law. I'll also have highlights from Whisky Live New York, and word on new whiskies from Early Times, Caribou Crossing, an ultra-rare Macallan, and the results of the Alzheimer's Association Chocolate Symphony Scotland tour auction!]]>39:23cleannew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 246: April 4, 2010Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0000It's the start of the festival season in Scotland, which saw gains in tourism last year despite the global recession. Scottish Minister of Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop joins me to discuss whisky's impact on Scotland's tourism and economy, and will help me announce a competition to win a trip for two to Glasgow for Whisky Week in September! In the news, the winners of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition have been announced, Maker's Mark wins a battle in court over its dripping red wax trademark, and the results of the WhiskyCast March listener pledge drive!]]>21:43nonew,mark,beer,scotland,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 245: March 28, 2010Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:54:00 +0000We know it by many names...White Lightning and Corn Liquor to name a couple. Moonshine whiskey has been a part of American culture for generations, and is still being produced today. Max Watman embraced the moonshine culture for his new book, "Chasing the White Dog," and shares some of that culture in this week's episode. We'll also hear from Kevin Smith of Maker's Mark about the official name for his new bourbon, "Maker's 46." I'll have tasting notes for it, the new Crown Royal Black, and the Four Roses 100th Anniversary Single Barrel bourbon in the "What I'm Tasting This Week" Department.]]>46:38nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,makers,gillespie,scotch,moonshine,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 244: March 21, 2010Sun, 21 Mar 2010 03:19:00 +0000For some reason, I always wind up doing a show on Irish whiskies around St. Patrick's Day. Irish whiskies have the fastest-growing sales in many markets, and we'll get some ideas why from Abigeal Hendron of Michael Collins Irish Whiskey. Bushmills Master Distiller Colum Egan explains what he's looking for as Bushmills starts a competition to find someone to spend 30 days working at the distillery this autumn, and I'll compare two distillery bottlings with independent bottlings in the "What I'm Tasting This Week Department."]]>23:38nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,irish,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,bushmillsWhiskyCast Episode 243: March 14, 2010Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:09:00 +0000Michael Jackson passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in whisky writing that includes his classic "Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch." Now, an updated edition of his guide is being released, and fittingly, it took three men to do the job. Editors Dominic Roskrow, Gavin Smith, and William Meyers discuss the controversy over their work and how they worked together to create the new guide. In the news, Gordon & MacPhail unveils a 70-year-old Mortlach bottling, and the latest on new expressions from Four Roses, Glenfarclas, and The Whisky Exchange.

]]>45:09nonew,mark,jackson,michael,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 242: March 7, 2010Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:29:00 +0000This week's episode includes highlights from the Whisky Guild's annual Whisky Classic event in Morristown, New Jersey. Ardbeg's Rollercoaster made its U.S. debut at the Whisky Classic, and we'll get some of the details from Dr. Bill Lumsden. We'll also hear about plans for the first U.S. Ardbeg Committee gathering this April in Chicago, and Rick Wassmund of Copper Fox will tell us about his latest single malt from Virginia. In the news, John MacLellan leaves Burn Stewart Distillers for Kilchoman, Texas gets its first-ever bourbon, Denmark gets a new single malt, and the WhiskyCast iPhone app is now available!]]>23:23nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ardbeg,rollercoaster,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 241: February 28, 2010Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:58:00 +0000France is known more for wine and cognac than whisky, but Jean Donnay hopes to change that perception. Jean's Glann ar Mor Distillery on the Brittany Coast is already receiving high marks for its whisky, and was a runner-up for Distiller of the Year in Whisky Magazine's 2010 Icons of Whisky Awards. We'll hear from Jean in this week's episode, along with tasting notes for two Glann ar Mor expressions. In the news, Whisky Magazine announces its World Whiskies Awards, Maker's Mark makes a choice for its new bourbon, and comments on the last episode's interview with Ralfy Mitchell of Ralfy.com.

]]>38:38cleannew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,ar,haddonfield,distill,glann,morWhiskyCast Episode 240: February 21, 2010Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:01:00 +0000We've seen an explosion in the number of whisky bloggers over the past year, and one of the most popular is Ralfy Mitchell of Ralfy.com. His whisky rating videos have become a hit on YouTube, and we sat down to talk at the recent Victoria Whisky Festival. In the news, Compass Box has something special planned for the upcoming Whisky Live London, another new whisky from The Dalmore, Buffalo Trace goes Canadian, and Bonhams puts a Glenfiddich bottling of casks from 1937 and 1939 on the auction block next week.

]]>44:08nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,ralfyWhiskyCast Episode 239: February 14, 2010Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:15:00 +0000English farmers send barley north to Scotland, and sooner or later, the Scots send it back as whisky. The Nelstrop family has been growing barley for decades, and decided to change that formula. The first English single malt whisky in more than a century is now available from the family's St. George's Distillery in Norfolk. In the news, the finalists have been selected in the Spirit of Speyside Festival Whisky Awards, Malt Advocate Magazine announces its 2009 award winners, and tasting notes for a rare Glenfiddich single cask bottling.]]>22:37nomark,georges,st,english,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distillingWhiskyCast Episode 238: February 7, 2010Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:20:00 +0000Call it beginner's luck if you want, but Peter Hart's first batch of single malt spirit received rave reviews at the recent Victoria Whisky Festival...even though it was only two months old. Peter's the distiller at Victoria Spirits, a converted British Columbia winery now producing highly-regarded gin and as we'll learn in this episode, plans to produce a 100% British Columbia single malt whisky. In the news, the first interview with Al Fastier of the Antarctic Heritage Trust on the successful recovery of not just two cases of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 100-year-old whisky, but a third case of whisky and two cases of brandy! Also, Edrington and Berry Brothers swap whisky assets...and reports of a new Ardbeg expression!]]>26:22nomark,bourbon,distillery,gillespie,victoria,scotch,whiskey,whisky,distilling,laphroaig,glenrothesWhiskyCast Episode 237: January 30, 2010Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:13:00 +0000As I reported in the last episode, Maker's Mark is working on a new bourbon. This time around, Master Distiller Kevin Smith sits down with me to taste "Profile 51", which will be released this summer. That's the unofficial name for the new whiskey, which will be bottled at a higher proof than Maker's Mark and will have a completely different taste. In the news, new whiskies from Glenfiddich, Tullibardine, and The Glenrothes, support for Haitian earthquake relief, and Chivas may need years to recover from the damage caused by this winter's storms. Finally, there's a new contest for WhiskyCast newsletter subscribers!

]]>41:38nomark,bourbon,distillery,makers,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,glenfiddich,tullibardine,glenrothes,penderynWhiskyCast Episode 236: January 23, 2010Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:22:00 +0000This time around, I'm on location at the Victoria Whisky Festival in British Columbia, and I'm joined by a panel of whisky experts to discuss some of the issues facing whisky producers and drinkers alike. Jim Murray, Malt Maniac Davin De Kergommeaux, Ed Patrick of Canada's Companions of the Quaich, Stuart Nickerson of Glenglassaugh, Andrew Gray of Bruichladdich, and Dan Tullio of Canadian Club discuss the state of Canadian whisky, government regulation and taxes, premiumization, and their dream drams. In the news, Maker's Mark is experimenting with a new formula that may or may not make it to market, and Bruichladdich is experimenting with technology to turn its waste into fuel.

]]>43:09noclub,canadian,bourbon,distillery,victoria,scotch,whiskey,whisky,bruichladdich,glenglassaughWhiskyCast Episode 235: January 16, 2010Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:50:00 +0000Dewar's is one of Scotland's iconic whiskies, thanks to the efforts of generations of the Dewar family. Ian Buxton has just released a new book, "The Enduring Legacy of Dewar's", in cooperation with Dewar's owner Bacardi, and he joins us via Skype from Edinburgh to share some of Dewar's history. In the news, whisky and politics, whisky and sports, and whisky with a smoky kick!

]]>47:08nomark,walker,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,johnnie,dewars,aberfeldy,kilchoman,smokeheadWhiskyCast Episode 234: January 10, 2010Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:14:00 +0000China may well become the world's largest whisky market over the next decade, and Ian Chang is hoping his Kavalan single malt becomes the choice of Chinese whisky lovers. Kavalan is the first single malt whisky distilled in Taiwan, and even though its first releases are only three years old, Kavalan has already won several medals in international whisky competitions. In the news, heavy snow damages 21 Chivas Brothers warehouses holding 100 million gallons of whisky, Diageo prepares for the second release in the Manager's Choice Series, and we'll hear from the editor of Australia's first whisky magazine, Tumbler's Kristy Booth.

]]>37:23nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,chivas,distill,diageo,kavalanWhiskyCast Episode 233: January 3, 2010Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:20:00 +0000The last decade could well be remembered for the emergence of Japanese single malt whiskies on the world stage. We'll discuss the malts from the Land of the Rising Sun with Chris Bunting, author of the Nonjatta.com blog. In the news, new whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail and The Glenrothes, and Whyte & MacKay's Richard Paterson can tell you where to go...if you have a TomTom GPS.

]]>32:19nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 134: March 2, 2008Sun, 02 Mar 2008 05:18:00 +0000Dominic Roskrow is the former editor of Whisky Magazine, and he's written a new book on whiskies from around the world. "From Confused to Connoisseur" is designed for the novice, and includes distillery details, tasting notes, and Dominic's 50 favorite whiskies. We'll get a preview from Dominic in this episode...in the news, Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky award-winners are announced...the first -- and only -- Kininvie single malt will be available at London's Heathrow Airport, a new Singleton of Glen Ord is headed for retailers, and a look at this past week's Kosher Whisky Festival in New York City.

]]>24:54nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 126: January 6, 2008Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:41:00 +0000update of the story appears on the WhiskyCast web site,
and we'll hear from Dave on this episode. In the news, a new Talisker,
potential buyers for Glenglassaugh, honours for Edrington's chairman,
and another tale of sadness...and sharing...at airport security.]]>24:54nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 125: December 29, 2007Sun, 30 Dec 2007 03:40:00 +0000

]]>17:09nonew,mark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 115: October 29, 2007Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:49:00 +0000What's a $700 whisky like? When it's a special
edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, expect it to be something unique
(and have a pretty good story behind it). We'll find out more about the
new King George V edition of Blue Label, along with new whiskies from
the Balvenie and changes for Auchentoshan and Ballantine's on this
episode of WhiskyCast.

]]>14:54nonew,mark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,cognac,haddonfield,distill,armagnacWhiskyCast Episode 109: September 16, 2007Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:20:00 +0000The Beams are the First Family of Bourbon, and
the torch has officially been passed at Jim Beam. Each bottle has
pictures of the six generations of Beam family members who have led the
distillery. This week, a new label was unveiled with the latest
patriarch of the Beams, Fred Noe...who joins his late father, Booker
Noe, and the rest of the family. We'll hear from Fred and more as
Kentucky celebrates Bourbon Festival week in Bardstown.

]]>27:24nonew,mark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 103: August 5, 2007Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:59:00 +0000Nick Morgan of Diageo has the job most
of us would love...next to running a distillery of our own. As Global
Marketing Director for Diageo's premium malts and the Classic Malts
series, he has access to whiskies most of us only dream of being able
to taste. We'll find out about his personal favorites, as well as what
goes into selecting malts for the Classic Malts range. In the news,
Dewars gets a $250 million investment to expand its whisky
production...Jim Beam releases a special bourbon to benefit the
children of New York City firefighters, the Westin Turnberry Resort has
a few bottles of a rare Glenfiddich private release left, and
Bruichladdich keeps the golf theme going with two new releases in its
Links series.

]]>21:09nonew,mark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 97: June 24, 2007Sun, 24 Jun 2007 02:58:00 +0000John Glaser of Compass Box is one of the
whisky industry's leading innovators, and in this episode of
WhiskyCast, we'll find out what he's working on in his blending
laboratory. There's also new spirits legislation in Europe that should
clarify some of the rules about whisky production, a road race for
bourbon-loving runners in Kentucky, and an update on what may really be
the Southern Hemisphere's first peated whisky after all...

]]>20:09nonew,mark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 93: May 27, 2007Sun, 27 May 2007 06:01:00 +0000.
Euan Shand of Duncan Taylor is making his dream come true, with plans
for a new (and carbon-neutral) distillery in Huntly. We'll hear about
Euan's plans, along with the winners in Scotch and Irish whiskies at
this year's International Wine & Spirit Competition and an oil
shortage that could bring Islay's distilleries to a halt...all on this
episode of WhiskyCast!

]]>32:27nomark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,nwWhiskyCast Episode 79: February 18, 2007Sun, 18 Feb 2007 19:39:00 +0000The whisky business is growing by leaps and bounds worldwide, and distillers are responding with millions of dollars in new investments. This past week, Diageo announced plans to pump nearly $200 million into its Scotch production, including an all-new malt distillery in the Moray area. We'll hear from Diago's Peter Smith and Ken Robertson, along with Dave Pickerell of Maker's Mark, where Beam Global is also investing on additional capacity. In the news, Mount Vernon will be able to sell whisky from George Washington's distillery, 400 distillery workers in Southern Indiana may be able to keep their jobs, and the saga of Whyte & MacKay's sale may finally be near an end.

]]>13:49nomark,jersey,spirits,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distill,nwWhiskyCast Episode 78: February 11, 2007Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:24:00 +0000]]>11:39nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 77: January 28, 2007Mon, 29 Jan 2007 01:56:00 +0000Plenty of news in this episode: A Nova Scotia distillery wins its battle with the Scotch Whisky Association...for now, India may give in to demands to reduce its stiff tariffs on imported spirits, whisky accounted for $5 billion in U.S. sales during 2006, Laphroaig adds a lounge at the distillery just for its Friends, and the new issue of Malt Advocate magazine is out! We also pay tribute to John Sutherland, distillery manager at The Glenrothes, who passed away last week at his home near Elgin.

]]>12:36nonew,mark,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,scotch,whiskey,whisky,haddonfield,distillWhiskyCast Episode 76: January 21, 2007Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:00:00 +0000Scotland celebrates the 248th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns this week...and the world celebrates with Scotland. Burns Suppers are held all over the world...for just a few people or a few hundred people. We'll get the details on hosting your own Burns Supper, as well as a look at the life and legacy of Robert Burns. In the news, there's word of new distribution deals for William Grant & Sons and Blackadder, a new web site for the Scotch Whisky Association, and the latest issue of Whisky Magazine is in the mail.

]]>14:19nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,single,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,haddonfieldWhiskyCast Episode 64: October 30, 2006Mon, 30 Oct 2006 03:34:00 +0000Jim Cryle "retired" this year as Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, but somehow he seems just as busy as ever after 40 years of making Scotch. My conversation with Jim includes everything from his early days in distilling to what it's like to walk into a warehouse first thing in the morning, as well as his choice for that final dram. In the news, Bruichladdich's bottling Port Charlotte PC5, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre gets a new name, and new whiskies are on tap -- so to speak -- for WhiskyFest in New York next week.

]]>10:25nonew,mark,scotland,jersey,bourbon,gillespie,single,scotch,whiskey,whisky,malt,haddonfieldWhiskyCast Episode 56: September 5, 2006Mon, 04 Sep 2006 21:13:00 +0000Five years ago, the stills at Islay's Bruichladdich Distillery roared back to life. The spirit produced on May 29, 2001 is now making its way into the market, and Bruichladdich's Mark Reynier will give us the story behind the new Port Charlotte single malt. In the news, Ardbeg's husband-and-wife team of Stuart and Jackie Thomson are leaving the distillery after bringing it back from the brink of oblivion, construction has started at Ladybank Distillery near Fife, Old Forester Bourbon celebrates a birthday, the latest earnings reports from Diageo and Brown-Forman, along with a busy calendar of September events. Pour a dram, sit back, and turn up the volume for Episode 56 of WhiskyCast!